n.
Pronunciation: ' w ə rst
Function: adjective
superlative of bad or of ill
Etymology: Middle English werste, worste, from Old English wierresta, wyrsta, superlative of the root of Old English wiersa worse
Date: before 12th century
1 : most corrupt, bad, evil, or ill <his worst fault>
2 a : most unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant, or painful <the worst news> <your worst enemy> b : most unsuitable, faulty, unattractive, or ill-conceived <has the worst table manners> c : least skillful or efficient <the worst person for the job>
3 : most wanting in quality, value, or condition <the worst results>
– the worst way : very much <such men ⋯ need indoctrination the worst way ― J. G. Cozzens> ― often used with in <wanted a new bicycle in the worst way >