worst

I. 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

> 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 IV. transitive verb Date: 1636 to get the better of ; defeat