At best vs. at worst

Question

I have been trying  for a long time to understand the usage of "at best" and "at worst". I looked up some standard dictionaries available and they don't seem to give enough examples and explanation. Thank you in advance for your help. :-)

RayH · Accepted Answer

GobsmackedI have been trying for a long time to understand the usage of "at best" and "at worst". I looked up some standard dictionaries available and they don't seem to give enough examples and explanation. Thank you in advance for your help. :-)

When I say "at best" I mean that things could (and very well may) be worse.
When I say "at worst" I mean that things could (and very well may) be better.

Here are some examples:

The Padres will, at best, finish at .500 for the year.
I would expect the Padres to finish at or below .500.

Aaron Rodgers' chances of playing Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons look shaky at best heading into the weekend because of his injured throwing shoulder.
The writer means that the is very little chance that Rodgers will play.

It's updated sporadically at best, but there has been some really cool music there over the last few months.
The writer means that updates are rare and often don't happen.

The Padres will, at worst, finish at .500 for the year.
I would expect the Padres to finish at or above .500.

There's no harm in sending them your resume — you might get an interview, and at worst, they'll ignore it.
The writer means that you may get an interview but you won't be any worse off than you are now if they ignore your resume.

At best Nella would be an invalid; at worst she would die.
Fairly obvious.

Gobsmacked · Answer

Thank you very much. I will try to understand your examples.

At best vs. at worst

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