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 In 2011, Pamela Barrett and her late husband, John, were at risk of losing their home in Shandon, in San Luis Obispo County, after Barrett’s hair salon started losing clients amid the worsening economy. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 Lynch will be replaced by CVS Caremark president David Joyner, who will attempt to steer the health care giant through a worsening environment of rising medical costs. CBS News, 18 Oct. 2024 Experiencing the worsening effects of a rapidly changing climate throughout their youth and into adulthood, this crisis has become existential for them. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2024 After a string of temporary cease-fires just over a month into the war, fighting resumed in the Gaza Strip in December and has not stopped despite the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and growing international calls for a cease-fire. Brian Bushard, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for worsen 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'worsen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 31 Oct. 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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