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
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.
Drought continues to worsen in several parts of the country, meteorologists warned in early September as dry conditions are forecast for many areas later in the month, sparking additional fears about wildfires in the fire-prone West. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025 The findings of the report suggest that the situation has not improved, and in many cases has worsened. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 Health advocates fear this could lead to higher rates of illness among children, which could worsen the health care disparities that already afflict the Black community. Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025 Pink Light takes the inspiring sports drama genre, where athletes have to overcome obstacles in their sport and personal lives, in a new direction as Browne tackles the worsening debate around trans athletes in the media and political spaces. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Worsen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worsen. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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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