At worst Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈwɝst
at WURST
ˈæt/ /wˈɜːst
at WURST
Definition
Used to describe the most negative possible outcome if things do not go well.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both spoken and written English, often paired with 'at best' in contrasts. Used to assess risk or set expectations—'At worst, we'll be late.' Unlike 'worst-case scenario,' it's more conversational.
Spanish: en el peor de los casosPortuguese (BR): no pior dos casosPortuguese (PT): no pior dos casosChinese (Simplified): 最糟情况下Chinese (Traditional): 最糟情況下Hindi: सबसे बुरी स्थिति मेंArabic: في أسوأ الأحوالBengali: সবচেয়ে খারাপ হলেRussian: в худшем случаеJapanese: 最悪でもVietnamese: xấu nhất thìKorean: 최악의 경우Turkish: en kötü ihtimalleUrdu: بدترین صورت میںIndonesian: paling buruknya
Example Sentences
We will be late at worst.
basic
The test will be difficult at worst.
basic
At worst, you'll need to wait an hour.
basic
We might miss the train, but, at worst, we can catch the next one.
natural
The project might take longer, but at worst, we'll finish by Friday.
natural
Don’t worry—at worst, they’ll say no.
natural