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

Those declines are projected to continue to worsen as temperatures climb.

From Los Angeles Times

Forecasters are warning that high winds are only expected to worsen through at least Wednesday, with several warnings issued across the state, both on land and for mariners.

From Los Angeles Times

That outcome — the potential to worsen conditions for people facing abuse in their marriages — is what advocates fear most.

From Salon

While some conservative economists have warned that the proposal would discourage development and worsen the housing shortage, others have argued that the conventional neoliberal antipathy to rent controls is misguided — in many places where strong rent controls are in place, such as New Jersey, the housing supply has actually increased.

From Salon

From the start, Solis had pleaded for help and medication, his scribbled notes show: “I am not well. Please help me before things worsen,” one read.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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