worsen

[ˈwɔːsn̩]

worsen Definition

  • 1to become or make something become worse
  • 2to deteriorate

Using worsen: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "worsen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The situation is worsening every day.

  • Example

    The weather is expected to worsen over the weekend.

  • Example

    The company's financial situation has worsened in recent years.

worsen Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for worsen

Antonyms for worsen

Phrases with worsen

  • make matters worse

    to make a bad situation even worse

    Example

    I lost my job, and to make matters worse, my car broke down on the way home.

  • to change from a bad situation to an even worse one

    Example

    After losing his job, things went from bad to worse when he was evicted from his apartment.

  • to make a bad situation even worse

    Example

    His angry outburst only worsened the situation.

Origins of worsen

from Old English 'wyrsian', meaning 'to become worse'

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Summary: worsen in Brief

'Worsen' [ˈwɔːsn̩] means to make something become worse or deteriorate. It is often used to describe situations that are getting progressively worse, as in 'The situation is worsening every day.' 'Worsen' can also be used in phrases like 'make matters worse' and 'go from bad to worse,' both of which indicate a situation becoming even more difficult.

How do native speakers use this expression?