Phrase guide

worst of both worlds

noun · 1 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

noun

Meaning 1

A solution or scenario which combines the disadvantages of two opposed prior solutions, often having been intended to combine their benefits instead.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, singular, singular-only, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: best of both worlds

History

Etymology

Antonym of best of both worlds.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 兩敗俱傷的妥協 /两败俱伤的妥协 (liǎngbàijùshāng de tuǒxié) — scenario which combines disadvantages
  • Dutch: het slechtste van twee werelden — scenario which combines disadvantages
  • Finnish: huonot puolet molemmista — scenario which combines disadvantages