worst

Definition

superlative form of bad: most bad

Etymology

From Middle English worste, wurste, warste, werste, wirste, from Old English wierrest, from Proto-Germanic *wirsistaz, superlative form of *ubilaz (“bad, evil”); compare worse. Cognate with Old Saxon wirsista, wirrista (“worst”), Old High German wirst, wirsesto, wirsisto (“worst”), Danish værst (“worst”), Swedish värst (“worst”), Icelandic verstur (“worst”).

Example Sentences

• "I think putting oil on a burn is the worst thing you can do."
• "That's the worst news I've had all day."
• "The worst storm we had last winter knocked down our power lines."

Related Words