worsen

verb

wors·​en ˈwər-sᵊn 

worsened; worsening

ˈwərs-niŋ,

ˈwər-sᵊn-iŋ 

transitive verb

: to make worse

intransitive verb

: to become worse

the weather began to worsen

Synonyms

• atrophy
• crumble
• decay
• decline
• degenerate
• descend
• deteriorate
• devolve
• ebb
• regress
• retrograde
• rot
• sink

Examples of worsen in a Sentence

Spending more money is only going to worsen the problem.

the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect

Recent Examples on the Web

By Karina Tsui | CNN Powerful winds that fueled fast-moving wildfires across Southern California this week are expected to pick up momentum on Thursday –– worsening conditions for firefighters who are already battling limited visibility to save lives. —Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

The nurse tells her to stop wasting her time and go to an actual physician before her symptoms worsen or other ailments occur from overcompensating. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024

Across the state in Grand Rapids on Monday night, Trump also made his final appeal to Michigan voters at Van Andel Arena, painting a grim picture of an America with a faltering economy and a worsening border crisis if his bid for the presidency fails. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024

This dust is carried by winds to surrounding communities, worsening air quality and causing respiratory issues. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

worsen

verb

wors·​en ˈwərs-ᵊn 

worsened; worsening ˈwərs-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become worse

the weather worsened