worsen

[ wur-suhn ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become worse.

   Synonyms: sink, slip, deteriorate, decline

worsen

/ ˈwɜːsən /

verb

1. to grow or cause to grow worse

Word History and Origins

Origin of worsen¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English wersnen “to deteriorate”; worse, -en ¹

Example Sentences

Like others, he hopes the violence was an isolated incident rather than a sign of worsening ethnic polarisation.

From BBC

"Patients often require intensive hospital care as symptoms worsen, and our current treatment options are severely limited," explains Igdoura.

From Science Daily

Kennedy has long claimed that chronic health issues have worsened due to the inaction of federal health agencies.

From BBC

DWP has also been investing in developing more local supplies to reduce reliance on imported water and prepare for worsening droughts compounded by climate change.

From Los Angeles Times

But Trump always cared about having his ego regularly fluffed over boring matters of governance, and this tendency appears to have worsened with age.

From Salon

Related Words

• aggravate
• damage
• decline
• depress
• deteriorate
• exacerbate
• get worse
• impair
• lower