second to worst vs second worst

Both "second to worst" and "second worst" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Second to worst" implies that something is the second closest to being the worst, while "second worst" directly states that something is the second worst. The choice between the two depends on the specific emphasis you want to convey.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 609 views

This phrase is correct and is used to indicate that something is the second closest to being the worst.

"second to worst"

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize that something is not the worst but very close to it, ranking second in terms of being the worst.

Show examples from the web [+]

Or rather, our score remained unchanged, but Port Moresby in New Guinea improved, bringing it up a notch to second worst and leaving us behind.
These are two actions that lead to the erosion of the levels of well-being: this is the result of the second worst solution to the situation of widespread unemployment that one seeks to counteract.
OK, fine, maybe it's the second worst.
It seemed Like the perfect thing to do on perhaps the second worst workday in recorded history.
That is the second worst name for a test ever.
The second worst day witness the greatest mass extinction in the planet's history.
It was only the second-worst one I've ever had.
He later ranked it as the second worst game of 2018.
This is officially the second-worst breakfast you've ever made.
"The second worst investment is receiving a different machine than the one purchased".
Second worst-case scenario, we can always implement the two-week rule.
Your story thread in Love, Actually is the second worst.
Actually, it was the second worst.
This is the second-worst Valentine's Day we ever had.
The second worst is the use of private motor vehicles.
Why? Cats was the second-worst thing that ever happened to New York City.
Let's just say it makes your hair your second-worst trait.
That was my second-worst coming out of the closet.
It turns out we live in only the second worst place in America.
Looks like you're the second worst reporter out there named Stephen A. Smith.

Alternatives:

second closest to being the worst

This phrase is correct and is used to directly state that something is the second worst.

"second worst"

This phrase is used when you want to straightforwardly convey that something is the second worst without implying closeness to the worst.

Show examples from the web [+]

It seemed Like the perfect thing to do on perhaps the second worst workday in recorded history.
He later ranked it as the second worst game of 2018.
OK, fine, maybe it's the second worst.
Your story thread in Love, Actually is the second worst.
Actually, it was the second worst.
"The second worst investment is receiving a different machine than the one purchased".
It turns out we live in only the second worst place in America.
Looks like you're the second worst reporter out there named Stephen A. Smith.
It is considered to be the second worst terrorist act in the history of Colombia after the bombing of Avianca Flight 203.
Eritrea is rated the second worst abuser of religious liberties on the African continent, after Somalia (World Watch List, January 2005, Open Doors International).
Colantuono's Atalanta lie 15th in the table, with the second worst attack in Serie A (22 scored) and the 13th best defence (35 goals conceded).
And it is the second worst for women, more than five years below life expectancy in Japan.
The United Kingdom had the second worst record in both, and Canada the third worst record.
Why don't you tell him that in the last month, the resale price of the Lear jets have gone down dramatically, and that they say it is now the second worst investment in the world.
Alright, second worst?
That is the second worst name for a test ever.
The second worst day witness the greatest mass extinction in the planet's history.
The second worst is the use of private motor vehicles.
The second worst prom night I've ever heard.
Once you get down to Devon, you are the world's second worst man, first place already taken.

Alternatives:

second in terms of being the worst

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second to worst vs second worst

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