worsen

verb

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

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.
As the illness worsens, more severe symptoms can develop, like coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath as fluid builds up in the lungs. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026 Many of his Democratic opponents said freezing rates would likely worsen the problem. Grace Hase, Mercury News, 7 May 2026 Local officials are hopeful the money can help prevent future upticks in land movement and, ideally, formalize a new pathway for additional federal funding to address the city’s ongoing hazards and worsening budget crisis. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 Her symptoms worsened during a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 25. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 7 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Worsen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worsen. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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

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