worst case example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worst case example" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a scenario that represents the most negative outcome in a given situation. For example, "In the worst case example, the project could be delayed by several months." Alternative expressions include "worst case scenario" and "most extreme case."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The worst case example was the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 grounding following the American Airlines accident in Chicago in 1979 that killed more than 250 people.

The New York Times

Consider a worst case example, where (D) consists of a single path.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Here's how it can be done: First, let's take a "worst case" example that assumes, under the applicable law, corporations that are Twitter users have the same rights as people.

TechCrunch

The presentation of the proposed methods is the theme of Section 3. Application of our methods to a practical worst case example is being demonstrated in Section 4. Section 5 concludes the paper.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The results, presented above, have been interesting in the face of the fact that we presented a worst case example tessellation in terms of quality difference as well as DEM size.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I've learned the most common mistakes they made, and seen best and worst case examples of firms making their way successfully into the Cloud.

Forbes

The worst-case example is mountain biking, another Olympic cycling discipline whose origins are often traced back to California.

The New York Times - Sports

Even under their worst-case example, "it would take 5,000 downloads to reduce the sales of an album by one copy," they wrote.

The New York Times

[C6.] A Need for Clearer Accounting Rules The value of Enron may be as a worst-case example of the need for clearer accounting rules.

The New York Times

In the months since the Japanese tsunami, we've heard a lot about Chernobyl as a worst-case example: here's how bad Fukushima could have been.

The New York Times - Arts

"Oakland has continued to be a worst-case example for the V.A., and it's high time they take direct action in bringing that office up to speed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worst case example", clearly define the parameters that constitute the 'worst case' to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what makes it the worst in terms of cost, time, or impact.

Common error

Avoid framing every situation as a "worst case example". Overemphasis on negative possibilities can lead to unnecessary anxiety and hinder objective decision-making. Reserve this term for truly critical situations where the downside risk is significant and likely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worst case example" functions as a noun phrase, often used to introduce a specific instance that illustrates the most negative possible outcome of a situation or process. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is generally correct and understandable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worst case example" is used to illustrate a specific instance of a highly negative or undesirable outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. It appears across various domains, especially Science and News & Media, indicating its relevance in both technical and general contexts. When employing this phrase, it is important to explicitly define the criteria that constitute the 'worst case' to ensure clarity and impact. Alternatives include "worst-case scenario", offering stylistic variations. Overusing the phrase should be avoided to prevent unnecessary alarm and maintain objectivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worst-case scenario

Replaces 'example' with 'scenario', focusing on a possible outcome.

the most extreme instance

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the severity of the case.

a particularly bad case

Simplifies the language, making it less technical.

the poorest possible outcome

Shifts focus to the result or consequence of the example.

a dire illustration

Emphasizes the negative implications of the situation.

a perfect storm

Metaphorically describes a convergence of negative factors.

the nightmare scenario

Introduces a sense of fear and dread.

the absolute bottom line

Focuses on the most fundamental and negative aspect.

a cautionary tale

Presents the example as a warning to avoid similar situations.

an alarming precedent

Highlights the potential for the example to be repeated or to set a negative standard.

FAQs

How can I use "worst case example" in a sentence?

You can use "worst case example" to illustrate the most negative potential outcome of a situation. For example, "The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 grounding is a "worst case example" of a manufacturing problem.".

What is a similar expression to "worst case example"?

A similar expression to "worst case example" is "worst-case scenario", which also describes the most negative potential outcome.

When is it appropriate to use the term "worst case example"?

It's appropriate to use "worst case example" when you need to highlight a situation that represents the most severe or undesirable potential outcome. Make sure to provide enough context to justify why it's considered the 'worst case'.

What are some common mistakes when using "worst case example"?

A common mistake is using "worst case example" without clearly defining the parameters that make it the worst case. Another is overusing the term, which can create unnecessary alarm.