How to say "worst" in Japanese

• 最悪さいあくCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'worst' as in the worst case, situation, or outcome. Neutral and widely usable, e.g. when describing the worst possible result or the worst thing that could happen.
  私わたしたちは最悪さいあくの場合ばあいの覚悟かくごはできている。↗

  We are prepared for the worst.
• ワーストCommon
  noun, prenominal modifierA loanword used when 'worst' is a rank or figure, as in worst records, worst numbers, or worst-case scenarios. It tends to appear in statistics, sports, and news contexts rather than everyday talk.
• 最低さいていJLPT N3approx.Common
  no-adjective, na-adjectiveMeans 'worst' or 'the lowest' when something is appallingly bad, and is also used of people or behavior judged despicable. Often the word you want for 'that was the worst.'
  こんな最低さいていの目めにあったことはないわ！↗

  This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me!
• 峠とうげJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounOnly matches 'worst' in the fixed sense of the critical peak of an illness or a crisis, as in having passed the worst point. Ordinarily it means a mountain pass, so it is seldom the word you want for 'worst' otherwise.

Use 最悪 for the worst case or worst possible outcome, 最低 for something appallingly bad (also 'the lowest'), 「ワースト」 for a ranking or record, and 峠 only for the peak of an illness or crisis.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 最悪さいあくworst
• ワーストworst
• キリend
• 最悪の事態さいあくのじたいworst
• 最低さいていworst
• 峠とうげpeak (e.g. of summer)