Is the word worse or worst

What is the difference between worst and worse?

There are few things worse than bad writing. But the worst is when writers confuse words like “worse” and “worst.” Either term is a comparative or superlative adjective for “bad” and “ill,” but that doesn’t mean we can use them interchangeably. 

Since “worse” and “worst” are comparative and superlative adjectives, they ultimately represent varying degrees of ‘bad’ or ‘ill.’ For instance, “worse” is ‘more bad,’ while “worst” is the ‘most bad.’ 

In addition to their adjective forms, we can also use the word “worse” as a noun or adverb, and “worst” as an adverb, noun, or verb. But as complicated as this looks, the general difference between the words stays the same: 

• Worse = ‘more bad’ than bad/ill 
• Worst = the ‘most bad’ 

It’s easy to see how English speakers confuse “worse” and “worst.” The words are homophones, which means they have similar spellings and pronunciations, but carry different meanings. The Word Counter covers similar word similarities within articles like “affective vs. effective” and “past vs. passed.” 

Worse and worst are also irregular adjectives, which means the words ‘bad’ and ‘ill’ don’t follow regular adjective patterns. For instance, we usually add “-er” or “-est” to the end of adjectives to indicate comparative and superlative forms (e.g., short, shorter, shortest). 

What does worse mean?

English speakers primarily use the term worse as a comparative adjective to describe a noun that is of lower quality, ‘more bad,’ or ‘lesser’ than another. In this sense, the concept of “bad” or “ill” applies to negative attributes, such as: 

• Inferior value or lower standard
• Less desirable 
• Degree of difficulty
• Lack of skill or efficiency 
• More severe or serious 
• More corrupt, evil, or reprehensible 
• A poorer state of health 

Example sentences include, 

“I feel worse today than I did yesterday.” 
“You’re worse than your brother.” 
“The food tastes worse when you order to-go.”
“I’m not sure things could get any worse.”

Worse as a noun

As a mass noun, the word worse describes a person, place, or thing that is ‘more serious,’ ‘more unpleasant,’ or ‘less favorable.’ For example,

“His health took a turn for the worse.” 
“There’s worse that could happen.”
“I’ve been through worse than this.” 

Worse as an adverb

The adverb form of worse modifies other adverbs, adjectives, or verbs to imply ‘in a worse manner,’ ‘extent,’ or ‘what is worse.’ For example, 

“The less you sleep, the worse you’ll feel.” 
“Folks are worse prepared than ever before.” 
“They could have played a lot worse than we did.”

Synonyms of worse

Common, deficient, inferior, lame, lesser, lousy, lower, mediocre, normal, ordinary, substandard, poor, unsatisfactory, wanting, worst. 

Antonyms of worse

Exceptional, extraordinary, incomparable, nonpareil, rare, uncommon, unequaled, unmatched, unrivaled, unusual, unsurpassable. 

Etymology of worse

“Worse” entered the English Language via Old English wiersa and wyrsa (adjectives) and wiers (adverb) Originally a form of Old High German (‘wirsiro’), the term transitioned again in Middle English as ‘werse’ and ‘worse.’ 

What does worst mean?

The word worst is a superlative adjective of “bad” and “ill” to describe something of the lowest standard or highest severity. 

Sentence examples include, 

“He was the worst Uber driver ever.” 
“This is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“The memo reiterated my worst fears.” 

Worst as an adverb

As an adverb, the word worst modifies other adverbs, adjectives, and verbs to describe a high degree of inferiority, corruption, or distaste. For example, 

“Students are the worst affected by COVID school closures.” 
“Pickling is the worst-smelling hobby .” 
“Oregon regions worst hit by snow include Pendleton and Ontario.”

Worst as a noun

The noun form of worst describes someone or something that is “the worst.” For example, 

“Isn’t she the worst?” 
“I fear the worst is yet to come.”
“Worst-case scenario, we can take a cab instead of the train.”

Worst as a verb

The verb worst defines the act of ‘getting the better of,’ defeating, or achieving victory over another. Additional verb forms include worsted, worsting, or worsts. For example, 

“The Portland Trail Blazers worsted the Philadelphia 76ers in 1977.” 
“The soldiers spent the week worsting their enemies.”

Synonyms of worst

Adj., adverb, noun: Atrocious, awful, bad, deficient, dissatisfactory, inferior, lesser, ordinary, routine, rotten, wanting, worse, vile. 

Verb: Annihilate, beat, conquer, defeat, master, overcome, prevail, subdue, surmount, sweep, triumph.

Antonyms of worst

Adj., adverb, noun: Exceptional, extraordinary, incomparable, rare, uncommon, unequaled, unmatched, unsurpassed, unusual. 

Verb: Collapse, fail, fall, flop, fold, give up, go under, lose. 

Etymology of worst

Modern English adapted “worst” from Middle English werste and worste and Old English wierresta and wystra. Both Old English forms represent the superlative forms of Old English wiersa for ‘worse.’ 

Worst vs. worse: understanding comparative and superlative adjectives

All adjectives contain comparative and superlative forms. Comparative adjectives describe the difference between the two nouns they modify (e.g., harder, better, faster, stronger). Superlative adjectives compare objects on a scale of upper to lower quality standards (e.g., hardest, best, fastest, strongest). But since “worst” and “worse” are irregular adjectives, their comparative and superlative forms don’t follow typical English grammar. 

Regular adjectives

Regular adjectives develop into comparative and superlative forms based on their number of syllables. Adjectives with one syllable follow a pattern of adding an -er for the comparative form and an -est for the superlative. 

Adjective: “cute”

Comparative: “cuter”

Superlative: “cutest.”

If an adjective contains two or more syllables, the original adjective doesn’t always change. Instead, the words “more” and “most” precede adjectives for the comparative and superlative forms, respectively. For example, 

Adjective: “exclusive”

Comparative: “more exclusive”

Superlative: “most exclusive.” 

English grammar poses an exception for certain two-syllable adjectives. If the adjective ends with -y, -ow, -er, -le-, we add an -er or -est for the comparative form and -est for the superlative forms. 

Adjective: “pretty”

Comparative: “prettier” 

Superlative: “prettiest” 

Adjective: “noble”

Comparative: “nobler” 

Superlative: “noblest” 

Adjective: “low”

Comparative: “lower” 

Superlative: “lowest” 

Irregular adjectives

Irregular comparative and superlative adjectives don’t follow a set pattern. Instead, they transform the original adjective into a unique comparative or superlative form. For example, 

Adjective: “good”

Comparative: “better”

Superlative: “best”

Adjective: “little”

Comparative: “less”

Superlative: “least”

When it comes to “worse” and “worst,” the irregular adjectives are “bad” and “ill.” Under normal conditions, we would add ‘-er’ or ‘-est’ for “badder” or “baddest.” But since “bad” and “ill” are irregular adjectives, we use “worse” for the comparative form and “worst” for the superlative form. 

Adjective: “bad/ill”

Comparative: “worse” or “iller” 

Superlative: “worst” or “illest”

How do you use worse and worst in a sentence?

To ensure correct usage of worse or worst, it’s important to remember two key factors: 

#1. Worse and worst = bad and ill

Worst and worse are extensions of the adjectives “bad” or “ill.” Therefore, anything that is “worse” or the “worst” carries a negative connotation. For example, 

“Are you feeling worse?” (illness)
“Brad is a worse writer than Kayla.” (unskilled)
“Skydiving is my worst fear.” (most severe) 
“Talking to family about politics is the worst.” (unpleasant) 

#2. Use worse or worst to compare nouns differently

Worse is a comparative adjective that compares one noun to another, while worst is a superlative adjective that compares one noun to a group of objects. For example, 

“Generic vitamins are worse than brand-name competitors.” (low quality) 
“Generic vitamins are the worst options available.” (lowest quality)

How to remember the difference between worse and worst?

There’s an old phrase in English that says, “if worst comes to worst” or “if worse comes to worst,” which means “if a bad situation becomes even worse,” or “worst-case scenario” (not worse case scenario).   

American English uses either phrase interchangeably, but we recommend memorizing “if worse comes to worst” to remember how “bad” can go to “worse,” and “worse” can go to “worst.” 

FAQ: Related to worse vs. worst

Is badder or baddest a word?

When the word “bad” (actually, as “baad”) conveys the “superabundance of good,” it no longer holds the same meaning of “worse” or “worst.” Therefore, many people resort to using “badder” or “baddest” as comparative and superlative forms. 

While dry “standard English” doesn’t yet recognize the use of “badder” and “baddest,” the terms are still common within Black American Vernacular (American English). English teachers may dock grammar points for using “badder” or “baddest,” but until the textbooks catch up, we say it’s perfectly correct to use these terms in this fashion. 

Is wurst an alternate spelling of worst?

A wurst is a type of sausage, but it sounds nearly the same as the word “worst” (aka, homophones). 

Test Yourself!

Test how well you understand the difference between worse and worst with the following multiple-choice questions. 

1. True or false: the adjective “worse” is the comparative form of “bad” or “ill.”
   a. True
   b. False
2. Which is not a superlative form of the adjective “ill”? 
   a. Baddest
   b. Worst
   c. Illest
   d. None of the above
3. If ___________ is ‘low quality,’ ___________ is the ‘lowest quality.’ 
   a. Iller, illest
   b. Worst, worse
   c. Badder, baddest
   d. Worse, worst
4. For the phrase “she’s the worst,” the word worst is a _____________.
   a. Adjective
   b. Adverb
   c. Noun
   d. All of the above
5. Which of the following phrases is incorrect? 
   a. If worse comes to worst
   b. Worse case scenario
   c. If worst comes to worst
   d. Worst case scenario

Answers

1. A
2. A
3. D
4. C
5. B

Sources

1. “If the worst comes to the worst.” Cambridge Dictionary, Cambridge University Press, 2020.
2. Kuehn, Paul R. “Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs for ESL Students.” Owlcation, 18 May 2020. 
3. Kperogi, Farooq A. “Black American Vernacular English Expressions You Should Know.” USA Africa Dialogue Series, Google Groups, 26 Feb 2017. 
4. “The comparative and the superlative.” Resources for Learning English, EF Education First, 2020. 
5. “Worse.” Lexico, Oxford University Press, 2020.
6. “Worse.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., 2020.
7. “Worst.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., 2020.
8. “Worst.” The Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster Inc., 2020.

The words worse and worst are extremely useful. They are the main and often best way we can indicate that something is, well, more bad or most bad. But because they look and sound so similar, it can be easy to mix them up, especially in certain expressions.

In this article, we’ll break down the difference between worse and worst, explain how they relate to comparative and superlative adjectives (and what those are), and clear up confusion around which word is the correct one to use in some common expressions.

worse vs. worst

Worse and worst are different words, but both are forms of the adjective bad. Worse is the comparative form and worst is the superlative form.

A comparative adjective is typically used to compare two things. For example, My brother is bad at basketball, but honestly I’m worse.

A superlative adjective is used to compare more than two things (as in Out of the five exam I have today, this one is going to be the worst) or state that something is the most extreme out of every possible option (as in That was the worst idea I have ever heard).

Worse and worst are just like the words better and best, which are the comparative and superlative forms of the word good.

In most cases, the comparative form of an adjective is made by either adding -er to the end (faster, smarter, bigger, etc.) or adding the word more or less before it (more impressive, less powerful, etc.).

To form superlatives, it’s most common to add -est to the end of the word (fastest, smartest, biggest, etc.) or add most or least before it (most impressive, least powerful, etc.).

Worse and worst don’t follow these rules, but you can see a remnant of the superlative ending -est at the end of worst and best, which can help you remember that they are superlatives.

To learn a lot more about comparative and superlative adjectives, check out our amazing guide right here!

Worse is used in the expression from bad to worse, which means that something started bad and has only deteriorated in quality or condition, as in My handwriting has gone from bad to worse since I graduated high school.

Let’s look at some other common questions people have about expressions that use worse or worst.

Is it worse case or worst case?

The phrase worst case is used in the two idiomatic expressions: in the worst case and worst-case scenario. Both of these phrases refer to a situation that is as bad as possible compared to any other possible situation, which is why it uses the superlative form worst.

For example:

• In the worst case, the beams will collapse instantly.
• This isn’t what we expect to happen—it’s just the worst-case scenario.

While it’s possible for the words worse and case to be paired together in a sentence (as in Jacob had a worse case of bronchitis than Melanie did), it’s not a set expression like worst case is.

Is it if worse comes to worst or if worst comes to worst?

There are actually two very similar versions of the expression that means “if the worst possible outcome happens”: if worse comes to worst or if worst comes to worst. However, if worst comes to worst is much more commonly used (even though it arguably makes less sense).

Whatever form is used, the expression is usually accompanied by a proposed solution to the problem. For example:

• If worse comes to worst and every door is locked, we’ll get in by opening a window.
• I’m going to try to make it to the store before the storm starts, but if worst comes to worst, I’ll at least have my umbrella with me.

Examples of worse and worst used in a sentence

Let’s wrap things up by looking at some of the many different ways we can use worse and worst in a sentence.

• I think the pink paint looks worse on the wall than the red paint did.
• Out of all of us, Tom had the worst case of poison ivy.
• Debra Deer had a worse finishing time than Charlie Cheetah, but Sam Sloth had the worst time by far.
• My grades went from bad to worse after I missed a few classes.
• If worst comes to worst and we miss the bus, we’ll just hail a cab.
• It’s possible that the losses could lead to bankruptcy, but the company is doing everything it can to avoid this worst-case scenario.

Hope for the best as you take this quiz

How do you feel about the difference between worst and worse now that you’ve reviewed them? If you can distinguish between the comparative and superlative forms of bad, take this quiz to see how much you’ve learned.

Main Difference

The difference between Worse and worst is that Worse is defined as of lower quality or a lower standard. Worse is known as a comparative adjective. Comparative adjective are used to compare two things with each other. While on the other hand Worst is defined as of the lowest quality or the lowest standard. Worst is known as a superlative adjective. Superlative adjective are used when you compare three or more things with one another.

Difference Between Worse and Worst

Worse vs. Worst

Worse is the comparative adjective, whereas worst is known as the superlative adjective.

Worse vs. Worst

The word ‘worst’ can also be used as a verb, but the word ‘worse’ can never be used as verb.

Worse vs. Worst

Technically, both the words worse and worst are irregular superlative adjective, which means that they don’t follows the typical pattern of common adjective degrees.

Worseadverb

.

He’s worse-mannered than she is.

Worstadjective

Most inferior; doing the least good.

I think putting oil on a burn is the worst thing you can do.

Worseadverb

Less skillfully.

Worstadjective

Most unfavorable.

That’s the worst news I’ve had all day.

Worseadverb

More severely or seriously.

Worstadjective

Most harmful or severe.

The worst storm we had last winter knocked down our power lines.

Worseadverb

Used to start a sentence describing something that is worse.

Her leg is infected. Still worse, she’s developing a fever.

Worstadjective

Used with the definite article and an implied noun: something that is worst.

None of these photographs of me are good, but this one is definitely the worst.

Worsenoun

something inferior in quality or condition or effect;

for better or for worseaccused of cheating and lying and worse

Worstnoun

something or someone that is the worst

Worseadjective

(comparative of `bad’) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability;

this road is worse than the first one we tookthe road is in worse shape than it wasshe was accused of worse things than cheating and lying

Worstadverb

In the worst way: most badly, most ill.

My sore leg hurts worst when it’s cold and rainy.This is the worst-written essay I’ve ever seen.She’s the worst-informed of the lot.

Worseadjective

changed for the worse in health or fitness;

I feel worse todayher cold is worse

Worseadverb

(comparative of `ill’) in a less effective or successful or desirable manner;

he did worse on the second exam

Worstverb

To grow worse; to deteriorate.

Worstverb

(rare) To outdo or defeat, especially in battle.

Worstnoun

the least favorable outcome;

the worst that could happen

Worstnoun

the greatest damage or wickedness of which one is capable;

the invaders did their worstso pure of heart that his worst is another man’s best

Worstnoun

the weakest effort or poorest achievement one is capable of;

it was the worst he had ever done on a test

Worstverb

defeat thoroughly;

He mopped up the floor with his opponents

Worstadjective

(superlative of `bad’) most wanting in quality or value or condition;

the worst player on the teamthe worst weather of the year

Worstadverb

to the highest degree of inferiority or badness;

She suffered worst of allschools were the worst hit by government spending cutsthe worst dressed person present

Comparison Chart

Worse	Worst
It is the comparative adjective used for the ‘bad’ or of the ‘poorer quality	It is the superlative form of adjective used for ‘bad’ or of the ‘poorest quality’.
Facilities
It can’t be used as verb.	It can be used as verb.

Worse vs. Worst

Both these words, worse and worst are quite similar when it is about the spelling or pronunciation of them. That is why these words are used interchangeably, but one needs to know the comprehensive meaning and usage of both these words to differentiate it between one and other. Worse and Worst can be used as different parts of speech, but most prominently they are recognized as adjectives. Worse is the comparative adjective, whereas worst is known as the superlative adjective. From this one can know that worse is used in comparison between two things, people or conditions. It is the comparative adjective used for the ‘bad’ or of the ‘poorer quality’. On the other hand, worst is the superlative degree that is used to compare it between more than two things, people or conditions. It is the superlative form of adjective used for ‘bad’ or of the ‘poorest quality’.

What is Worse?

The word worse can be used as different parts of speech in written or verbal communication. Most prominently it is used as an adjective, a comparative adjective that shows comparison between two things, persons or situations. It would be kept in noticed that whenever we talk about comparison or the comparison adjective, we compare two although in superlative case it is always more than two as it is the extreme case. Apart from being used as comparative adjective, the word ‘worse’ can also be used as adverb and noun but it can never be used as the verb in the sentence. The word worse carries diverse meanings with respect the usage in different sentence, the examples below would make you clearer about its meaning under different contexts.

Examples of Usage of Worse

As Adjective‘Of poorer quality or lower standard’: This tastes worse than last night’s dinner.

‘More serious or severe’: James yesterdays’ injury was worse than last month’s injury.

As Noun‘A more serious or unpleasant event or situation’: It was already 2-0 for Barcelona, but the worse was yet to come.

What is Worst?

The word ‘worst’ refers to the superlative adjective of ‘bad’ or of the ‘poorest quality’. It shows the comparison between more than two people, things, or situations. Technically, it is the irregular superlative adjective, which means that it doesn’t follows the typical pattern of such adjectives. It is the superlative adjectives as it doesn’t have ‘-est’ addition in it to refer to the extreme degree. With simple word ‘worst’, it denotes the highest or extreme degree of being ill bad or poorer in quality. It is also used diversely as different part of speech but it is mainly known as an adjective. The word ‘worst’ can also be used as a verb, but the word ‘worse’ can never be used as verb. As a verb ‘worst’ means to “defeat thoroughly.”

Examples of Usage of Worst

As Verb‘Defeat thoroughly’: ‘They are tired enough so they can be worsted right now.’

Most of the confusion that learners encounter in English is linked to homophones. These words sound alike when spoken but have different spellings and meanings. In this article, we will discuss worse vs. worst. These homophones can be confusing for both native as well as non-native writers. So let’s learn the difference between them.

Difference Between “Worse” and “Worst”

Worse and worst are not only homophones but also comparative and superlative adjectives. Worse is a comparative adjective while the worst is a superlative adjective. It goes like this: Bad-Worse-Worst. The word “worst” means that something cannot be worse than the “worst”.

Now let’s learn the exact meaning of Worse vs. Worst and use them in sentences. 

What Does Worse Mean?

The word worse is used to define something as of a lower standard, lower quality, or less good. As mentioned above, it is a comparative adjective that compares two things with each other. For example:

• This app version is worse than the old ones.
• The food was worse than the accommodations. 

According to dictionary.com, worse means bad or ill to a higher degree or inferior in quality, character, or excellence.

Examples of Worse in Sentences

• Her silence is worse than her anger.
• Nothing is worse than a familiar enemy.
• A false friend is worse than a bitter enemy.
• Overdone is worse than undone.
• A liar is worse than a thief.
• Bad excuses are worse than none.
• I think eggplant is worse than boiled cabbage.
• It could have been worse.
• Consult your doctor if you feel symptoms are getting worse.

What Does Worse Mean?

The word worst defines the lowest standard or quality of something or someone. As per dictionary.com, worst is used to indicate something ill or bad to the most extreme degree. It is a superlative adjective that compares three or more objects with one another. See the examples below:

Examples of Worst in Sentences

• Every woman is her own worst enemy.
• The worst part is Emma doesn’t want it.
• Some say that Richard III was one of England’s worst kings.
• She is my worst enemy, yet, I like her as the wisest woman in the world.
• The worst man often gives the best advice.
• We should hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
• It’s the worst drink I have ever had.
• To John, the worst had already happened.
• This confirmed his worst suspicions.
• Nowadays, the weather is at its worst.
• Trust me, defeat is not the worst of failure.
• The worst is yet to come
• The best fall into the hands of the worst men.

How to Remember the Difference between Worse vs. Worst

One easy trick to remember when to use worst vs. worse is, keep in mind that worst is the least good option. If you have a list of things to do, whichever is worst, you would want to do least. 

You can memorize that the both worst and least have “st” letters in their spellings. You can also think of it as the most extreme. Most and worst also have “st” in their spellings.