worst option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worst option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing choices or alternatives, indicating that one particular choice is the least favorable among the available options. Example: "Out of all the proposals we received, the one with the highest cost and least benefits is clearly the worst option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I call this the least worst option.

Independent

But the stock market might actually be our worst option.

The New York Times - Magazine

Going hungry is often the least worst option.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They cross the finish line as the least worst option.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was described as the worst option of all.

The Guardian

Delay was the least worst option for the economy.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

For me, Hollande is the least-worst option".

The Guardian

Rather, it was the least-worst option when she was confronted with a sudden spike in childcare costs.

The Guardian - Money

Seeney told the Weekend Australian: "We believe dumping at sea is environmentally the worst ­option.

The Guardian

Playing Sunday's game might have seemed misguided, but the team captain Ryan Lilja explained it was "the least worst option".

The New York Times

President Viktor Yanukovich has chosen the worst option.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worst option" judiciously to avoid hyperbole. Ensure it accurately reflects the relative severity of the choice compared to other alternatives.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as the "worst option" without providing adequate reasoning. Back up your claim with evidence and explain the specific drawbacks or risks associated with that choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worst option" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a particular choice or alternative as the least desirable among several possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worst option" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the least desirable choice among several alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. As shown from the examples, it is most frequently found in news media and scientific contexts. When using "worst option", it is best practice to provide specific reasons why that option is undesirable. While "worst option" is a straightforward way to express negativity about a choice, consider using more formal or nuanced alternatives such as "least favorable alternative" depending on your writing tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorest choice

Directly indicates a substandard selection, synonymous with "worst option" in terms of quality.

least desirable choice

Focuses on the undesirability of the choice, similar to "worst option" but less absolute.

most unfavorable alternative

Emphasizes the negative aspects of the alternative, akin to "worst option" in conveying a poor choice.

the most detrimental selection

Highlights the harmful aspects of the selection, synonymous with "worst option" in terms of potential damage.

least attractive option

Highlights the lack of appeal of the option, making it the "worst option" from a desirability standpoint.

least preferable course

Stresses that the course is the least favored, implying it's the "worst option" in terms of preference.

most problematic course of action

Shifts the focus to the difficulties associated with the action, aligning with the negative implications of the "worst option".

least optimal solution

Underscores that the solution is far from ideal, echoing the sentiment of "worst option".

the least effective route

Focuses on the ineffectiveness of the route, making it the "worst option" based on performance.

suboptimal alternative

Highlights the less than ideal nature of the alternative, similar to saying it's the "worst option".

FAQs

How can I use "worst option" in a sentence?

You can use "worst option" to describe a choice that is the least desirable among several possibilities. For example: "Considering the risks involved, pursuing that strategy is the "worst option"".

What's a more formal alternative to "worst option"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "least favorable alternative", "most problematic course of action", or "least optimal solution" instead of "worst option".

Is it always appropriate to use "worst option"?

While grammatically correct, "worst option" can sound overly negative. Consider the tone of your writing and whether a more nuanced phrase like "least desirable choice" might be more appropriate.

How does "worst option" compare to "least worst option"?

"Worst option" indicates the absolutely least desirable choice, while "least worst option" suggests selecting the best available option from a set of undesirable choices. They have distinct meanings and should be used accordingly.