Synonyms

worsen

American

[wur-suhn] / ˈwɜr sən /

verb (used with or without object)

to make or become worse.

Synonyms:

sink, sink, slip, deteriorate, decline, decline

worsen British

/ ˈwɜːsən /

verb

to grow or cause to grow worse

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of worsen

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Over time, the disease worsens, and life expectancy is significantly reduced.

From Science Daily

But worsening air quality in the Thai city, especially during this time of the year, have prompted them to consider relocating for the sake of their children.

From BBC

Over time, her condition continued to worsen and she can now no longer speak.

From BBC

However, their symptoms quickly worsened and the pair were soon re-admitted.

From BBC

More than a million people - roughly one in every six in the country - have also been displaced, worsening an existing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023