worse

[ wurs ]

adjective

1. bad or ill in a greater or higher degree; inferior in excellence, quality, or character.
2. more unfavorable or injurious.
3. in less good condition; in poorer health.

noun

1. that which is worse.

adverb

1. in a more evil, wicked, severe, or disadvantageous manner.
2. with more severity, intensity, etc.; in a greater degree.

worse

/ wɜːs /

adjective

1. the comparative of bad 1
2. none the worse for
   not harmed by (adverse events or circumstances)
3. the worse for wear
   1. shabby or worn
   2. a slang term for drunk
4. worse luck! informal.
   unhappily; unfortunately
5. worse off
   postpositive in a worse, esp a worse financial, condition

noun

1. something that is worse
2. for the worse
   into a less desirable or inferior state or condition

   a change for the worse

3. go from bad to worse
   to deteriorate even more

adverb

1. in a more severe or unpleasant manner
2. in a less effective or successful manner

Word History and Origins

Origin of worse¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English (adjective, adverb, and noun); Old English wiersa (comparative adjective), wiers (adverb); cognate with Old Norse verri, Gothic wairsiza; war ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of worse¹

Old English wiersa; related to Old Frisian werra, Old High German wirsiro, Old Norse verri, Gothic wairsiza

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with worse , also see all the (worse) ; bark is worse than one's bite ; fate worse than death ; for better or for worse ; from bad to worse ; if worst comes to worst ; none the worse ; take a turn for the better (worse) . Also see under worst .

Example Sentences

“Stalin’s purges were worse than any plague or infectious disease,” Zeldovich writes.

From Salon

“We want to counteract this pattern where the more involved you are, the worse you are,” Ford said.

From Los Angeles Times

He says the family lived paycheck to paycheck or “sometimes worse.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Our homelessness has gotten worse in Fresno. It’s climbing every single day,” Martinez said.

From Los Angeles Times

These two women didn't ask for this grief, and Gaetz's denials and other obstructive behavior have made this already painful process worse for them.

From Salon

Related Words

• bad
• poor