in the worst way

Related to in the worst way: turn up, rub off, at least, put on the spot, on the back burner, pick up on

in the worst way

Desperately and with an extreme desire. I remember wanting that video game in the worst way, and I was so thrilled when my parents bought it for me.
See also: way, worst
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in the worst way

Fig. very much. I want a new car in the worst way. Bob wants to retire in the worst way.
See also: way, worst
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

in the worst way

Desperately, very much, as in He wanted a new trumpet in the worst way. This usage replaced worst kind. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]
See also: way, worst
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

in the worst way

Informal
Very much; a great deal: wanted to be elected in the worst way.
See also: way, worst
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • high on
  • high on (something)
  • high on something
  • be thrilled with (someone or something)
  • fracture
  • fractured
  • on credit
  • for (one's) life
  • for life
  • stuck on, be