How to Pronounce Worst

To pronounce "worst", say WORST — one syllable, IPA /wɜːst/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

worst

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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Syllable

Letters

/wɜːst/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “worst”

"worst" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with coerced and burst, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: wurst, werst — easy to mix up when writing.

What does worst mean?

adjective

Unfavorable; negative; not good.
“Abducting children is bad for mothers.”
Not suitable or fitting.
“Do you think it is a bad idea to confront him directly?”

adjective

Evil; wicked (of people).
Morally reprehensible (of behaviour etc.); blameworthy.

noun

Something or someone that is the worst

Synonyms

badass evil vicious vile wicked false spurious unhealthful bad mal-

Antonyms

adequate advantageous beneficial benevolent choice competent good wack

Hear “worst” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with worst

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

coerced burst cursed immersed first outburst cloudburst thirst traversed dispersed interspersed pursed

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "worst"?▾

"Worst" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "worst"?▾

The IPA transcription of "worst" is /wɜːst/.

What does "worst" mean?▾

Worst: Unfavorable; negative; not good.

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