worst possible time

USAGE SUMMARY

"worst possible time" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you can use it in a sentence such as: "We had the worst possible time trying to get out of the city during rush hour traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You're selling at the worst possible time.

The New York Times

Layoffs at the worst possible time.

The New York Times

Unfortunately the height of summer is the worst possible time".

The Guardian - Business

It may, however, have come at the worst possible time.

The New York Times

We just caught your country at its worst possible time.

The Guardian - Arts

This article came at the worst possible time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We are opening at the worst possible time".

The New York Times

The funding cuts have come at the worst possible time.

The New York Times

This is the worst possible time to debut a stadium".

The New York Times - Sports

The freezing temperatures have come at the worst possible time.

The New York Times

Brodeur's injury came at the worst possible time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "inopportune moment" or "unfortunate timing" to add nuance or formality to your writing, depending on the audience and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "worst possible time" as a cliché. Replace it with a more descriptive phrase that specifically explains why the timing is problematic, making your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worst possible time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier indicating when something occurred. It highlights the highly unfavorable nature of the timing, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worst possible time" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an extremely inopportune moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media sources and serves to convey frustration or concern about poorly timed events. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "most inopportune moment" or "unfortunate timing". When using "worst possible time", ensure the context clearly justifies the timing's unfavorable nature, providing specific details for maximum impact. Ludwig's examples highlight the versatility of this phrase across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most unfortunate timing

Highlights the regrettable nature of the event's occurrence in relation to the circumstances.

most inopportune moment

Emphasizes the lack of suitability or appropriateness of the timing.

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the timing.

least favorable juncture

Replaces common words with more formal or technical alternatives.

unluckiest moment

Focuses on the element of misfortune or bad luck associated with the timing.

a perfect storm of events

Implies a confluence of negative factors coinciding at a specific time.

height of crisis

Emphasizes that something happened when the problems were at their biggest.

in the teeth of

Suggests the phrase that something happened against the worst possible conditions.

rock bottom

Suggests a moment of extreme adversity or crisis.

the $#*! hit the fan

Suggests the exact moment the situation turns chaotic.

FAQs

How can I use "worst possible time" in a sentence?

You can use "worst possible time" to describe when something happens at the most inconvenient or unfavorable moment. For example, "The funding cuts came at the "worst possible time", when the organization was already struggling financially."

What are some alternatives to "worst possible time"?

Some alternatives to "worst possible time" include "inopportune moment", "unfortunate timing", or "least favorable juncture", depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "worst possible time"?

Yes, "worst possible time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It functions as a noun phrase modifying the noun "time."

What's the difference between "worst possible time" and "most inconvenient time"?

"Worst possible time" implies a confluence of factors making the timing extremely unfavorable, while "most inconvenient time" simply suggests the timing is not ideal. The former is generally a stronger expression than the latter.