Then I thought back to the worst thing that ever happened to me: my mom dying at age 48 of breast cancer.

NPR: Stepping Out of Fear

After all, many veteran Silicon Valleyites would argue that the worst thing that ever happened to this town was that we got noticed by Washington.

FORBES: President-Elect Fails To Understand Tech

This strikes him as the worst thing that has ever happened, and for a moment he sobs uncontrollably.

NEWYORKER: The TV

This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me and I will never forget this so long as I live.

BBC: The survivors' stories

"I didn't win and at the time it was probably the worst thing that could ever happen to me because it was like I got there and I felt like this was it, I was going to get it, " she recalls.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"Despite the fact this is the worst thing we'll ever go through in our lives, I've been really humbled by the support of the Australian public, the tireless efforts of the police and all the friends and family who put their lives on hold to help us out, " he said.

BBC: Jill Meagher murder: Man appears in Melbourne court

It was the worst thing they'd ever seen, at least in a national championship game.

WSJ: Jason Gay: What Every Basketball Fan Will Miss About Butler

When people started howling, "This is the worst thing I've ever seen, " it actually was true.

WSJ: Jason Gay: What Every Basketball Fan Will Miss About Butler

For those that do not like to communicate, I am often the best thing they ever had or their worst nightmare.

FORBES: Four Signs a Relationship Is Failing