worst of both worlds
All downsides combined
Worst of both worlds describes a situation combining the disadvantages of two alternatives while gaining the benefits of neither.
The opposite of "best of both worlds," it captures outcomes where compromise or indecision leaves you worse off than committing to either option: Working from home with a toddler is the worst of both worlds—I can't focus on my job or spend real time with my kid.
- double-whammyTwo setbacks at once
- catch-22Paradoxical no-win situation
- rock and a hard placeSituation with only bad choices
- disbenefitHarm from an action
- no-win situationDilemma without good outcomes
no good options · drawback · disadvantage · incompatibility · misfortune · pitfall · neither fish nor fowl · paradox · liability · downside · compromise · contradiction · lose-lose · mistake · neither here nor there · half-measure · detriments · setback
worst of both worldsbest of both worlds
Having two advantages simultaneously
win-win · sweet spot · best-case scenario · synergy · golden mean
worst of both worldsbest of both worlds
Having two advantages simultaneously
win-win situation · best-case scenario · jackpot · windfall · lucky break
worst, world, worlds, worldly, worldwide, worldliness, unworldly