worsen

verb

wors·​en ˈwər-sᵊn 

worsened; worsening

ˈwərs-niŋ, 

ˈwər-sᵊn-iŋ 

transitive verb

: to make worse

intransitive verb

: to become worse

the weather began to worsen

Synonyms of worsen

• deteriorate
• crumble
• descend
• decline

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

Ask yourself what scenario is going to provide your brother with the best care, especially as his condition worsens and his needs change. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026

Reports of a worsening climate for LGBTQ people are rising sharply across parts of the continent, and politicians have increasingly campaigned on anti-LGBTQ platforms. — Mick Krever, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

Officials expect the flooding to start Saturday and worsen by midday. — Matthew Mulligan, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2026

Anyone living in a basement or ground-floor apartment should have an escape plan that includes multiple exits and be prepared to move as flood conditions worsen. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for worsen

• person
• businessperson
• chairperson
• layperson
• salesperson

Kids Definition

worsen

verb

wors·​en ˈwərs-ᵊn 

worsened; worsening ˈwərs-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become worse

the weather worsened