in worst shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in worst shape" is not correct in standard English; it should be "in the worst shape." You can use it to describe a situation or condition that is at its lowest or most unfavorable state.
Example: "After the storm, the town was in the worst shape it had ever been."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Now they reckon on only 1.9% (see chart).Germany, the euro area's biggest economy, is in worst shape.

The Economist

And in worst shape of all are the 3 million 16- to 24-year-olds who aren't in school or in work.

Harvard University

Romania and Poland are in worst shape: Poland needs $16 billion, Romania $12 billion.Most of Central Europe's arterial roads are clogged.

The Economist

Main roads through cities were in worst shape: almost half the miles travelled over urban interstates in 2013 were a bumpy ride.

The Economist

Recently, he's taken to quoting Winston Churchill, describing SafeTrack's closing salvo as "the end of the beginning". But despite the looming problems, Evans said riders should cheer the completion of the program, which allowed Metro crews to replace more than 50,000 wooden rail ties and overhaul the 20percentt of the tracks in worst shape — at a cost of $150 million.

The Washington Post

The House That Bill Built may be in worst shape than even the Ballmer pushers suggest.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. Wennemer also acquired VDO at a time when the supplier industry in the United States, the biggest auto market in the world, is in the worst shape in recent memory.

The New York Times

With the budget in the worst shape in years, the game-playing seems even more intense than usual.

The New York Times

First, there's pessimism – evident in bleak industry forecasts right, left and centre based on the current state of the trade, in its worst shape in living memory.

The Guardian - Books

After losing thousands of lives and spending trillions of dollars, we are in far worst shape in the Middle East than ever, ever before.

The New York Times

Indeed, many insurance executives said that although it was unlikely that any major companies would fail, the life insurance business was in its worst shape in a decade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a deteriorating situation, consider using the grammatically correct phrase "in the worst shape" followed by specific details to provide a clearer picture of the issue.

Common error

Avoid omitting the definite article 'the' before "worst shape". Using "in worst shape" is grammatically incorrect and sounds awkward. Always use "in the worst shape" to maintain correct grammar and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in worst shape" (ideally "in the worst shape") functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the condition or state of that noun. As Ludwig AI clarifies, standard English usage requires the inclusion of the definite article "the."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in worst shape" is used to describe something in a very poor or deteriorated condition. However, according to Ludwig AI, the grammatically correct form is "in the worst shape", as the definite article "the" is essential for standard English. While the phrase appears mostly in news and media sources, it's advisable to use the correct grammatical form, "in the worst shape", especially in formal writing. When aiming for clarity and precision, consider alternatives like "in the most dire condition" or "in the poorest state".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the most dire condition

Replaces "shape" with "condition" and uses "most dire" for emphasis on severity.

in terrible condition

Uses "terrible" as a general indicator of poor state, replacing "worst".

in the most critical condition

Highlights the urgency and severity of the state.

in the poorest state

Substitutes "worst" with "poorest" and "shape" with "state", focusing on lack of quality.

in the roughest condition

Uses "roughest" to describe a difficult or challenging state.

in the most precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and risk associated with the condition.

faring the worst

Expresses that something is performing or experiencing the poorest outcome compared to others.

at its lowest point

Focuses on the condition being at its absolute minimum or weakest.

in utter disrepair

Highlights the state of damage and neglect.

at rock bottom

An idiomatic expression for being at the lowest possible level.

FAQs

What's the grammatically correct way to say "in worst shape"?

The grammatically correct way to express this idea is "in the worst shape". Omitting "the" makes the phrase incorrect.

What does it mean to be "in the worst shape"?

Being "in the worst shape" means being in the poorest condition or most unfavorable state, whether referring to physical condition, financial status, or any other measurable aspect.

Can I use other phrases instead of "in the worst shape"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "in the most dire condition", "in the poorest state", or "at its lowest point" depending on the specific context.

Is "in worst shape" ever acceptable to use?

While technically incorrect, "in worst shape" might occasionally appear in informal contexts. However, it's always better to use the grammatically correct version, "in the worst shape", especially in formal writing.