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

The new Jungle Cruise shows Disney wants to be in the cultural conversation rather than an artifact or, worse, a representation of the ‘good ole days.’

From Los Angeles Times

Some studies have found that girls fare worse than boys and others just the opposite, using different global standards.

From BBC

Sabine Fischlin, manager of the Woollen Mill on the Royal Mile, said the situation had been getting "significantly worse" since August.

From BBC

We got the answer with Wednesday’s announcement of his intent to nominate Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general: worse even than the worst-case scenario we had imagined.

From Los Angeles Times

Far worse will be the long-lasting erosion of the integrity of the department, whose fidelity to the principle of justice without fear or favor is a cornerstone of American democracy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bad
• poor