Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
worst — [wʉrst] adj. [ME worste < OE wyrsta, wierresta < base of wiersa,WORSE + st, superl. suffix] 1. superl. of BAD1 & ILL1 2. a) bad, evil, harmful, unpleasant, etc. in the highest degree; least good … English World dictionary
worst — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ most bad, severe, or serious. ► ADVERB 1) most severely or seriously. 2) least well. ► NOUN ▪ the worst part, event, or circumstance. ► VERB ▪ get the better of … English terms dictionary
worst — The idiom if the worst comes to the worst has been standard in BrE since the late 16c. In AmE it usually occurs in the form if worst comes to worst … Modern English usage
Worst — Worst, n. That which is most bad or evil; the most severe, pernicious, calamitous, or wicked state or degree. [1913 Webster] The worst is not So long as we can say, This is the worst. Shak. [1913 Webster] He is always sure of finding diversion… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
worst — worst1 [wə:st US wə:rst] adj [the superlative of bad] [: Old English; Origin: wierresta, wyrsta] 1.) [only before noun] worse than anything or anyone else →↑best ▪ This is the worst recession for fifty years. ▪ My worst fear was that we would run … Dictionary of contemporary English
worst — [[t]wɜ͟ː(r)st[/t]] 1) Worst is the superlative of bad. 2) Worst is the superlative of badly. 3) N SING: the N, oft N of n The worst is the most unpleasant or unfavourable thing that could happen or does happen. Though mine safety has much… … English dictionary
worst — worst1 [ wɜrst ] adjective only before noun *** worse than all others or worse than at all other times: It was the worst accident in the company s history. The noise from the airport is worst at night. be your own worst enemy to be the cause of… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
worst — 1 adjective (the superlative of bad) 1 (only before noun) worse than anything else of the same kind or worse than at any time before: Ken is easily the worst player in the team. | What s the worst thing that could happen? | by far the worst: This … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
worst — /werrst/, adj., superlative of bad and ill. 1. bad or ill in the highest, greatest, or most extreme degree: the worst person. 2. most faulty, unsatisfactory, or objectionable: the worst paper submitted. 3. most unfavorable or injurious. 4. in the … Universalium
worst — I UK [wɜː(r)st] / US [wɜrst] adjective [only before noun] *** worse than all others, or worse than at all other times It was the worst accident in the company s history. The noise from the airport is worst at night. • be your own worst enemy II… … English dictionary
worst — adj., adv., n., & v. adj. most bad. adv. most badly. n. the worst part, event, circumstance, or possibility (the worst of the storm is over; prepare for the worst). v.tr. get the better of; defeat, outdo. Phrases and idioms: at its etc. worst in… … Useful english dictionary
