[worst] adj, superlative of bad or of ill [ME werste, worste, fr. OE wierresta, wyrsta, superl. of the root of OE wiersa worse] (bef. 12c) 1: most corrupt, bad, evil, or ill
2. a: most unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant, or painful b: most unsuitable, faulty, unattractive, or ill-conceived c: least skillful or efficient
3: most wanting in quality, value, or condition -- 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"
[2]worst adv, superlative of ill or illy or of bad or badly (bef. 12c) 1: to the extreme degree of badness or inferiority
2: to the greatest or highest degree "groups who need the subsidies ~ lose out --T. W. Arnold" [3]worst n, pl worst (14c): one that is worst -- at worst : under the worst circumstances [4]worst vt (1636): to get the better of: defeat