The compound adjective "worst-hit" is a modern English formation that logically combines two native English elements to create a transparent, comparative meaning. The first element, "worst," derives from the Old English superlative form meaning "most bad or severe," establishing the extreme degree of comparison. The second element, "hit," originates from an Old English verb meaning to strike or meet with force, which evolved to broadly signify being adversely affected. When combined, the term literally means "most severely struck or affected," a meaning that has been directly abstracted to describe geographical areas, populations, or sectors suffering the greatest impact from disasters, economic downturns, or conflicts, making the term's logic immediately accessible to learners.

Structure: worst (superlative of 'bad') + hit (strike, affect) - worst: From Old English wyrresta, wierresta (superlative of yfel 'bad'). Functional role: Superlative adjective modifying the following element. - hit: From Old English hyttan (to meet with, come upon, fall upon). Functional role: Past participle/verb stem, indicating the action of being struck or affected.