# nastiest

/ˈnæstiəst/ (US) · /nˈɑːstɪəst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nastiest
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

most unpleasant, mean, or disgusting when you compare three or more people or things. You use it for the worst taste, smell, behaviour, or weather in a group.

For teachers: most unpleasant, offensive, or harmful when comparing three or more people or things. Covers senses from bad taste or smell to cruel behaviour or severe conditions.

## Examples

- This is the nastiest cold I have all year.
- The kitchen crew scrubs the nastiest grease behind the ovens every Friday night.
- Among the tabloid headlines of that summer, his profile of the candidate remains the nastiest, blending half-truths with personal attacks that lingered long after the election.

## Synonyms

worst

## Antonyms

best

## Pitfalls

- Not "the most nastiest smell" but "the nastiest smell" — The superlative form already expresses the highest degree and does not take 'most'.

## Usage notes

- Superlative of 'nasty'; typically preceded by 'the' and used when comparing three or more items.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.