worst or the worst?

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worst

This is correct as a comparative or superlative adjective.

Use 'worst' when comparing two or more things, indicating the least favorable or most severe option.

Examples:

  • This is the worst movie I've ever seen.
  • Of all the choices, this is the worst one.

Alternatives:

  • bad
  • poor
  • inferior
  • least favorable

the worst

This is correct as a noun phrase to refer to the most extreme or least favorable situation or thing.

Use 'the worst' when referring to the most extreme or least favorable situation or thing.

Examples:

  • This is the worst-case scenario.
  • She always expects the worst to happen.

Alternatives:

  • the most unfavorable
  • the least desirable
  • the most severe
Both 'worst' and 'the worst' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Worst' is used as a comparative or superlative adjective, while 'the worst' is used as a noun phrase to refer to the most extreme or least favorable situation or thing.

Last updated: March 27, 2024

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