at worst equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at worst equal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that in the most unfavorable scenario, the outcome or situation will be no worse than being equal to something else. Example: "In terms of performance, this model is at worst equal to its predecessor, making it a reliable choice for consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The worst-case scenario indicated that the ICER of introducing MCADD screening and of switching to MS/MS for PKU screening would be, at worst, equal to €72 115 per QALY gained.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At worst they must be equal.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Such treatment, at best, fails to recognize women as free and equal persons and, at worst, dehumanizes women and encourages their victimization.

SEP

Based on the SUV formulae, residual activity in the tail (equal to 16.9 % at worst in the present study) resulted in an underestimation of SUV values when uncorrected, as shown in Fig. 4.

EJNMMI Research

At worst the size of the compressed signal is equal to the minimum between two times the number of reads and the length of the chromosome arm.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

At worst, maligned.

The New York Times

At worst, they're despicable.

The New Yorker

At worst, they distort history.

The Economist

"At worst, it's that.

The New York Times

At worst, it compounds stereotypes.

Harvard University

(At worst? Think Big Tobacco).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at worst equal", ensure the context clearly establishes the range of possibilities, with equality representing the most unfavorable acceptable outcome. This clarifies expectations and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at worst equal" when a more precise description of potential negative outcomes is possible. Overusing this phrase can lead to vagueness and a failure to address specific concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at worst equal" functions as an adverbial modifier that sets a lower limit for an expectation. It indicates that even in the most unfavorable conditions, the situation will still be equivalent to a certain standard. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at worst equal" serves as a useful tool for setting expectations and defining a lower limit for potential outcomes. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct. Although it's a relatively infrequent expression, it effectively conveys the idea that even in the most unfavorable circumstances, a certain level of equivalence will be maintained. It is most commonly encountered in scientific and news-related contexts. When using "at worst equal", be sure the context is clear and emphasizes the range of possibilities, with equality representing the most negative yet acceptable outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no worse than equal

Emphasizes that the situation cannot be inferior to being equal.

at minimum equal

Highlights the lowest possible state of equality.

at the very least equal

Stresses the minimum acceptable condition of equality.

equal if not better

Suggests the possibility of exceeding equality, but not being less than it.

not less than equal

Directly states that the condition is not below equality.

at best no better than equal

Caps the best-case scenario at being equal, clarifying there is no possibility of being better.

equal or potentially worse

Indicates the equality is the high point of the possibility but the condition could be less.

equal under the worst circumstances

Highlights the equality is the best outcome that can be obtained with the worst-case scenario.

never inferior to equal

The worst situation could be equal, but never less.

at a stretch, equal

The worst possible estimation leads us to equality.

FAQs

How can I use "at worst equal" in a sentence?

Use "at worst equal" to describe a situation where the least desirable outcome is still equivalent to a specific standard or benchmark. For example, "The increase in costs will be, "at worst equal" to the rate of inflation".

What does "at worst equal" mean?

It means that in the most unfavorable scenario, the outcome will be no worse than being equal to a certain level or standard. It sets a lower bound on expectations.

Are there alternatives to saying "at worst equal"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "no worse than equal", "at minimum equal", or "at the very least equal" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "at worst equal"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that even under the most negative circumstances, the result will still meet a minimum acceptable level, specifically being equal to something else.