Phrase guide

in the worst way

adv · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adv

Meaning 1

Urgently; desperately; to an extreme degree.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Canada, US, idiomatic

Examples

  • I need a drink of water in the worst way.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adv

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, the, worst, way.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.