The weakest wartime light cruisers

What was the worst light cruiser in wartime service?

Some Italian light cruisers destroyed by Tribal-class destroyers are stronger candidates than the British Dido class.

The Dido class is not selected as the worst light cruiser despite its shortcomings. Italian light cruisers whose protection and combat performance left them vulnerable to destroyer attack are stronger candidates. Being overwhelmed by Tribal-class destroyers is the practical test for whether the cruiser label promised more fighting power than the ship delivered. The judgement is deliberately broad and does not rank every Italian class.