come off worst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come off worst" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something is at a disadvantage or suffers the most negative outcome compared to others. Example: "In the debate, she came off worst, as her arguments were less convincing than her opponent's."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

An argument would have followed and, as usual, I would have come off worst.

The Guardian

The right to free imaginative expression has come off worst in many of the previous encounters.

The Guardian

There seems little alternative to administration if Rangers come off worst in their tax battle.

The Guardian - Sport

Oil and gas producers come off worst, with the troubled car industry and the federal government only slightly more popular.

The Economist

As the various riders involved in the crash extricated themselves from the pile-up, it quickly became apparent the maillot jaune had come off worst.

The Guardian - Sport

Surprisingly few Broadway musicals have been filmed effectively, and those in which dancing plays an integral part are the ones that usually come off worst of all.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Who came off worst?

The Guardian

The Scots and women came off worst.

The Guardian

President Nicolas Sarkozy of France came off worst.

The New York Times

There have been numerous attempted muggings of dignitaries, though Rio's thieves often came off worst.

The Guardian - Sport

Hence, of the available choices of toothbrush partner, a postman came off worst, and a lover best.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come off worst" to clearly indicate that someone or something is at a disadvantage compared to others in a specific situation. Ensure the context provides a clear comparison for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "come off worst" without a clear point of comparison. The phrase implies a relative outcome, so it's essential to establish what or who is being compared to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come off worst" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the outcome of a comparison or situation where someone or something experiences the most negative consequences. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is deemed correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come off worst" is a common phrase used to express that someone or something has experienced the most negative outcome in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it appropriate for a wide range of communications. While versatile, remember to maintain a clear comparison to ensure the phrase's meaning is easily understood. Consider using alternatives such as "end up at a disadvantage" or "suffer the most" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come out the loser

Directly states the outcome of a competition or comparison as a loss.

end up at a disadvantage

Focuses on the resulting disadvantage, emphasizing the final state after a comparison or event.

suffer the most

Emphasizes the degree of suffering or negative impact experienced compared to others.

be worse off

Highlights the deteriorated state or condition as a result of a comparison or event.

get the short end of the stick

An idiomatic expression implying unfair treatment or receiving the lesser portion.

receive the worst treatment

Focuses on the quality of treatment received, indicating unfair or negative handling.

draw the losing straw

Suggests an element of chance or random selection leading to an undesirable result.

be on the losing side

Highlights being part of the group or entity that experiences defeat or failure.

fare poorly

Indicates a less than satisfactory outcome or performance in a given situation.

prove to be the weaker party

Emphasizes the lack of strength or advantage compared to an opponent or counterpart.

FAQs

How can I use "come off worst" in a sentence?

Use "come off worst" to indicate that someone or something is at a disadvantage or suffers the most negative consequences in a comparison. For example: "In the negotiation, the smaller company "came off worst" because it lacked leverage."

What are some alternatives to "come off worst"?

Alternatives include "end up at a disadvantage", "suffer the most", or "be worse off", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "come off worst" formal or informal?

"Come off worst" is suitable for both neutral and informal contexts, but may be too colloquial for highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "end up at a disadvantage" in formal settings.

What's the difference between "come off worst" and "come off worse"?

"Come off worst" implies the absolute worst outcome in a comparison, while "come off worse" simply means a less favorable outcome. The former suggests the most negative result, while the latter indicates a relatively poorer result. For instance, in a crash test between two car models, one car model "came off worst" which means it was completely destroyed, while the other "came off worse" and was dented.