direst

A recent drought saw the three direst years on record, which dropped reservoirs around the state to dangerously low levels and prompted mandatory rationing and even caused some hydroelectric power plants to shut down.

This is an ancient and nearly universal idiom that resurfaces, in different forms, in different places, and at different times, in the direst of circumstances.

“I hate having to do this again. Ella, sorry you're involved. Only supposed to use it under the direst of circumstances.”

Humanitarian agencies issued some of their direst warnings about the harm Israel's military campaign in Gaza was causing to civilians since it began retaliation against Hamas for its rampage in southern Israel.

Unison's head of local government Mike Short said town halls were in the "direst of states".