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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for worsen 

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 21 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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