worst possible timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worst possible timing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an event occurs at the least opportune moment. Example: "I received the news about the job loss at the worst possible timing, just before my wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Repealing the Climate Change Act now would be a perverse backward step by the UK, with the worst possible timing.

The Guardian

It's a cheap shot and it's the worst possible timing".

The Guardian - Sport

"It was the worst possible timing," Mr. Stulman said.

The New York Times

Theresa May has accused Sturgeon of "tunnel vision" and said her plans represented "the worst possible timing".

The Guardian

"Well, it's the worst possible timing," said Lawrence Bijou, the managing partner of Bijou Properties, which is just now opening the Garden Street Lofts in Hoboken.

The New York Times

arrived in my life with the worst possible timing, just as I was trying on a pose of adolescent knowingness, the kind of cynical sophistication that masquerades as maturity and sometimes takes too long to outgrow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Layoffs at the worst possible time.

The New York Times

You're selling at the worst possible time.

The New York Times

Yahoo's opportunist lawsuit came at the worst possible time.

TechCrunch

And both at the worst possible times.

Huffington Post

Fall over at the worst possible times.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worst possible timing", ensure the context clearly explains why the timing is particularly unfavorable. Provide specific details to illustrate the negative impact of the event occurring when it did.

Common error

Avoid using "worst possible timing" as a mere exaggeration. Instead, make sure that the situation genuinely warrants such a strong description by highlighting concrete negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worst possible timing" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe a situation where something happens at the most inconvenient or unfavorable moment. The word 'worst' intensifies the bad timing, emphasizing the negative impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worst possible timing" is a phrase used to describe a particularly unfortunate concurrence of events. Ludwig AI confirms that is considered grammatically correct. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase serves to express frustration over inopportune moments. When writing, consider alternatives like "most inopportune moment" to add variety. While its use is straightforward, ensure the context justifies the intensity of the phrase to avoid exaggeration. Remember that using "worst possible timing" should highlight genuine negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most inopportune moment

Replaces "worst" with "most inopportune" and "timing" with "moment", emphasizing the lack of suitability of the time.

least favorable moment

Substitutes "worst" with "least favorable", making the phrase less intense while still indicating an undesirable time.

most untimely occurrence

Uses "untimely occurrence" instead of "timing", highlighting the unfortunate nature of the event's appearance.

a perfect storm of events

Emphasizes the concurrence of multiple negative events creating a particularly difficult situation.

utterly inappropriate juncture

Replaces "timing" with "juncture" and "worst" with "utterly inappropriate", conveying a strong sense of unsuitability.

tragically ill-timed

Highlights the unfortunate and potentially devastating consequences of the poor timing.

an unfortunate coincidence

Focuses on the accidental and negative coming together of events at the same time.

a calamitous intersection of events

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of events coinciding.

in the teeth of the wind

Idiomatic phrase suggesting direct opposition or adversity, making the timing particularly difficult.

at the witching hour

References a time associated with bad luck or evil influence, making the timing especially ominous.

FAQs

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

You can use "worst possible timing" to describe when an event occurred at the most inopportune moment. For instance: "The news arrived at the "worst possible timing", just as we were celebrating."

What phrases are similar to "worst possible timing"?

Similar phrases include "most inopportune moment", "least favorable moment", or "most untimely occurrence". These alternatives convey a similar sense of unfortunate timing.

Is it always appropriate to use "worst possible timing"?

While grammatically correct, "worst possible timing" carries a strong negative connotation. Use it when you want to emphasize how truly unfortunate the timing of something was. Be cautious of hyperbole.

What's the difference between "worst possible timing" and "bad timing"?

"Bad timing" simply indicates that the time wasn't ideal. "Worst possible timing" suggests the timing was exceptionally unfortunate, creating significant negative consequences. The former is a weaker expression.