I. ˈwərst 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
II. adverb, superlative of ill or illy or of bad or badly
Date: before 12th century
1. : to the extreme degree of badness or inferiority
the worst dressed person
2. : to the greatest or highest degree
groups who need the subsidies worst lose out — T. W. Arnold
III. noun
( plural worst )
Date: 13th century
: one that is worst
•
- at worst
IV. transitive verb
Date: 1636
: to get the better of : defeat