worsen

[wur-suhn]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become worse.

   Synonyms: sink, sink, slip, deteriorate, decline, 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

In response to a worsening Islamist insurgency, the junta stopped working with the former colonial power, France, and instead turned to Russia for military assistance.

From BBC

These children often have a cold or runny nose and a cough that worsens at night or early morning, recurring every few weeks.

From BBC

The Wye in particular has become symbolic of widespread concerns over the worsening state of the UK's waterways in recent years.

From BBC

In some places, that seismic strain is alleviated; in others, it worsens — making earthquake faults in that area even closer to potentially failing and resulting in another big earthquake.

From Los Angeles Times

She said he was in "constant" pain, his epilepsy had worsened, he was at risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, and he struggled to chew food, sometimes leading to choking.

From BBC

Related Words

• aggravate 
• damage 
• decline 
• depress 
• deteriorate 
• exacerbate 
• get worse www.thesaurus.com
• impair 
• lower