Worsen

/ˈwɜːsn̩/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To make worse; to impair..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To make worse; to impair.
2. (intransitive) To become worse; to get worse.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To get the better of; to worst.

Example Sentences

Near-synonyms: aggravate, exacerbate; degrade, deteriorate; see also Thesaurus:aggravate

Global warming has worsened the weather.

As for further retaliation: adding such fuel to the fire, as it were, will only worsen the already unpleasant state of affairs.

It is apparent that, in the particular point of which we have been conversing, their condition is greatly worsened.

The weather has worsened.

During the day conditions worsened quickly—for example, a 2-6-0 on the Uckfield line suddenly encountered flood water high enough to enter its ashpan and extinguish its fire—until lock gates up-river at Barcombe gave way and a tidal wave rolled down the valley meeting head-on a spring tide rolling up from the coast.

TPE's cancellation score worsened from 7.2% to 23.8% when adjusted to include pre-cancellations (P*-coded) owing to a shortage of train crew.

Synonyms for worsen

Antonyms for worsen

Related Words

Word Forms

• worsens
• worsening
• worsened

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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