For better or worse means whether the result is good or bad. You say it about a decision or change when the consequences aren't clear yet but there's no going back: For better or worse, we chose to restore the old house ourselves. Many people know it from the wedding vow: for better, for worse.
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For better or worse, + decision or situation; for better or for worse
- For better or worse, we chose to restore the old house ourselves.
- The town has changed, for better or worse, since the new road opened.
- They agreed to stay together for better or for worse.
What changed
First versionFor better or worst, I accepted the offer.
RevisionFor better or worse, I accepted the offer.
Worse and worst sound almost the same, so the t easily slips in when writing. But both words in this pair are comparatives: better and worse. Without the t, the expression is whole.
For the better means 'into something better': The town has changed for the better. For the worse means the opposite. For better or worse picks no side: the change has happened, and judging it is for later. Worst is correct in at worst, 'in the worst case'.
Your turn
Accept both possible kinds of outcome: For better or ___, the decision is made.
Show the answer
worse — The pair uses comparatives: better or worse. Worst is a superlative and has no place here.
You left a secure job to start your own business. Talk about it in one sentence with for better or worse.
For better or worse, I quit my office job to open a bakery.
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