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.
in the worst way
Fig. very much. I want a new car in the worst way. Bob wants to retire in the worst way.
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]
in the worst way
Informal Very much; a great deal: wanted to be elected in the worst way.