worst
UK: wɜːst | US: wɜːrst
adj. of the poorest quality or lowest standard; most unfavorable or unpleasant
adj. (superlative of bad) most inferior or harmful
n. the most severe or unfavorable outcome or situation
vt. to defeat or outdo someone in a competition or conflict
The word worst evolved from Old English wyrresta, the superlative form of yfel (bad). It reflects the Germanic tendency to use dental suffixes (-t/-st) for comparatives and superlatives (e.g., old/older/oldest). Over time, wiersa (comparative) and wyrresta (superlative) simplified to worse and worst, retaining their core meaning of extreme inferiority.
This is the worst storm we’ve seen in decades.
She feared the worst when her son didn’t return home.
He was determined to worst his rival in the debate.
The team’s performance hit its worst level this season.
Even the worst mistakes can teach valuable lessons.