/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 poorest condition: the worst house on the block.
5. most unpleasant, unattractive, or disagreeable: the worst personality I've ever known.
6. most lacking in skill; least skilled: the worst typist in the group.
7. in the worst way , Informal. in an extreme degree; very much: She wanted a new robe for Christmas in the worst way. Also, the worst way .
n.
8. that which is worst.
9. at worst , if the worst happens; under the worst conditions: He will be expelled from school, at worst. Also, at the worst .
10. get the worst of something , to be defeated by; lose: to get the worst of a fight.
11. if worst comes to worst , if the very worst happens: If worst comes to worst, we still have some money in reserve.
adv.
12. in the most evil, wicked, severe, or disadvantageous manner.
13. with the most severity, intensity, etc.; in the greatest degree.
v.t.
14. to defeat; beat: He worsted him easily.
[ bef. 900; ME worste (adj., adv., and n.), OE wur ( re ) sta, wyr ( re ) st, wer ( re ) sta (adj. and adv.); c. ON verstr; see WORSE, -EST 1 ]