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

There's only one thing worse than an abusive boss -- and that's a boss who thinks they can make up for their bad behavior by turning on the charm the following day.

From Science Daily

"This is a very serious problem, and it can potentially get worse. All the traditional ideas of good and evil are being turned upside down," he told the BBC.

From BBC

The air pollution in Pakistan and India always gets worse in the winters, when winds slow down, and colder air sinks closer to the ground, bringing the smog down with it.

From NewsForKids.net

I point out his actions made the situation worse, resulting in others also becoming victims.

From BBC

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, on Thursday Trump announced that he had chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

From Salon

Related Words

• bad
• poor