worsen

verb

wors·​en ˈwər-sᵊn How to pronounce worsen (audio)
worsened; worsening
ˈwərs-niŋ,
ˈwər-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce worsen (audio)

intransitive verb

: to become worse
the weather began to worsen

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 The billionaire hedge fund manager told CNBC that inflation risks loom after November's election, as both Harris and Trump pledged to increase spending and cut taxes, worsening the debt outlook. Marie Poteriaieva, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Combination Sleeping Combination sleeping, which involves switching between positions, can either alleviate or worsen hip pain depending on the sleeper’s preferred positions and mattress support. Rachel Tavel, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2024 Limit triggers like harsh chemicals and drying ingredients. Reduce stress levels and get plenty of sleep, as stress can worsen dandruff symptoms or prompt flare-ups. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024 Low levels of tryptophan may affect the production of other important compounds, such as serotonin and melatonin, and worsen autism symptoms.9 One small study examined the relationship between tryptophan levels and symptoms in children with ASD. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for worsen 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'worsen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of worsen was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near worsen

Cite this Entry

“Worsen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worsen. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

worsen

verb
wors·​en ˈwərs-ᵊn How to pronounce worsen (audio)
worsened; worsening ˈwərs-niŋ How to pronounce worsen (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become worse
the weather worsened

More from Merriam-Webster on worsen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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