How to pronounce worst
Say it like WURST. Worst is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce worst. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WURST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Worst pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WURSTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of worst
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WURST.
What does worst mean?
- the least favorable outcome“the worst that could happen”
- 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”
- the weakest effort or poorest achievement one is capable of“it was the worst he had ever done on a test”
- (superlative of bad) most wanting in quality or value or condition“the worst player on the team”“the worst weather of the year”
- defeat thoroughly“He mopped up the floor with his opponents”
Where does worst come from?
Cognate with Old Saxon wirsista, wirrista (“worst”), Old High German wirst, wirsesto, wirsisto (“worst”), Danish værst (“worst”), Swedish värst (“worst”), Icelandic verstur (“worst”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with worst
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of worst.
Questions about saying worst
How do you pronounce worst?
Say WURST. The American pronunciation is /wɝst/. In British English it is /wɜːst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in worst?
Worst is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: WURST.
Is worst pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /wɜːst/ (WURST).