worst

/wə:st/

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Word: Worst

Part of Speech:
- Adjective
- Adverb
- Noun
- Verb (less common)

Definition:

The word "worst" is the superlative form of "bad." It describes something that is the least good, most undesirable, or of the lowest quality.

Usage Instructions:

1. As an Adjective: Use "worst" to compare things and show that one is inferior to all others in quality or value.

   • Example: "He is the worst player on the team."

2. As an Adverb: Use "worst" to describe the extent of something bad or undesirable.

   • Example: "She suffered worst of all during the storm."

3. As a Noun: Use "worst" to refer to the least favorable outcome or the most negative aspect of something.

   • Example: "That was the worst he had ever done on a test."

4. As a Verb: (less common) To mean to defeat someone thoroughly.

   • Example: "He mopped up the floor with his opponents, really worsting them in the competition."

Examples:

• Adjective: "This is the worst weather of the year."
• Adverb: "Schools were the worst hit by government spending cuts."
• Noun: "It was the worst she could do in this situation."
• Verb: "In the game, they really worsted their rivals."

Advanced Usage:

• "Worst" can also be used in phrases to indicate the maximum negative potential of a situation. For instance, "the worst that could happen is..." introduces a discussion about possible negative outcomes.

Word Variants:

• Bad (positive form)
• Worse (comparative form)
• Worst (superlative form)

Different Meanings:

1. Quality: Referring to the least favorable condition (e.g., "the worst conditions for farming").
2. Outcome: Referring to the most damaging or unfortunate result (e.g., "the worst that could happen").
3. Effort: Referring to the lowest achievement possible (e.g., "it was the worst effort he could muster").

Synonyms:

• Most terrible
• Least favorable
• Most unfortunate
• Most inferior

Idioms:

• "Do one's worst": To take the most extreme action possible. Example: "He can do his worst, but I will not back down."

Phrasal Verbs:

While "worst" doesn't commonly appear in phrasal verbs, it can be used in expressions like "worst off," which means to be in the worst situation compared to others.
Example: "After the layoffs, they were worse off than before."

Summary:

"Worst" is a versatile word primarily used to describe the lowest quality or the most unfavorable situations, and it can be used as an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb.

Academic

Adjective

1. (superlative of `bad') most wanting in quality or value or condition
   • the worst player on the team
   • the worst weather of the year

Adverb

1. to the highest degree of inferiority or badness
   • She suffered worst of all
   • schools were the worst hit by government spending cuts
   • the worst dressed person present

Noun

1. the weakest effort or poorest achievement one is capable of
   • it was the worst he had ever done on a test
2. the greatest damage or wickedness of which one is capable
   • the invaders did their worst
   • so pure of heart that his worst is another man's best
3. the least favorable outcome
   • the worst that could happen

Verb

1. defeat thoroughly
   • He mopped up the floor with his opponents

Synonyms

• pip
• mop up
• whip
• rack up