Synonyms of worsening

worsening 1 of 2

noun

as in deterioration

Related Words

• deterioration
• weakening
• failing
• fading
• sinking
• degeneration
• decline
• wilting
• languishing
• withering
• regression
• wasting (away)
• relapse

Dissimilar Words

• recovery
• rehabilitation
• healing
• convalescence
• recuperation
• mending
• rehab
• comeback
• revival
• rally
• survival
• resuscitation
• snapback

worsening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of worsen

1

as in deteriorating

to become worse or of less value

the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deteriorating
• crumbling
• declining
• descending
• diminishing
• degenerating
• rotting
• ebbing
• sinking
• decaying
• regressing
• weakening
• devolving
• retrograding
• atrophying
• disintegrating
• sagging
• falling
• reducing
• dwindling
• waning
• going to pot
• receding
• going to seed
• downsizing
• degrading
• slipping
• decomposing
• souring
• undermining
• debilitating
• putrefying
• lessening
• abating
• dilapidating
• corrupting
• spoiling
• moldering
• lagging
• de-escalating
• lowering
• drooping
• failing
• wasting (away)
• languishing
• flagging
• running down
• breaking down
• wilting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improving
• ameliorating
• upgrading
• bettering
• intensifying
• enhancing
• strengthening
• meliorating
• developing
• heightening
• enriching
• progressing
• proceeding
• advancing
• fortifying
• marching

2

as in deepening

to make more severe

the harsh winter only worsened the fuel shortage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deepening
• intensifying
• aggravating
• complicating
• exacerbating
• amplifying
• magnifying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• alleviating
• relieving
• mitigating
• helping
• improving
• easing
• ameliorating
• allaying
• bettering
• assuaging

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of worsening

Noun

The filing is backed by a Phase 3 study that showed the drug resulted in significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival over standard chemotherapy, along with delayed worsening of pain and quality of life. — Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 23 July 2026

While alcohol may transiently improve mood and ease social anxiety, long-term alcohol use can lead to a worsening of mood, cognition and sleep, which can further compound use. — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Limited evidence suggests that people with genetic deficiencies of CoQ10 who abruptly stop taking it can experience a worsening of kidney function. — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 16 June 2026

For example, stopping antidepressants or anxiety medication can lead to severe worsening of the condition or potentially dangerous withdrawals. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

People with postexertional malaise, the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion, may be at a higher risk for adverse effects from the therapy, Faghy and Putrino point out. — Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 June 2026

However, the incidents have contributed to a worsening of the mood around Madrid and should also be considered notable for that reason. — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 May 2026

The South Bay has been able to absorb thousands of layoffs yet still avoid a worsening of the jobless rate in the region, Hancock noted. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026

Two of the people with MS, including Miller, have progressive MS, a form of the disease marked by gradual worsening of neurological function and disabilities over time. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026

Verb

The Washington’s deployment comes as reports have emerged in recent months recounting worsening living conditions, mental health concerns, and supply shortages on board the Lincoln. — Connor Greene, Time, 14 Aug. 2026

The exploration licenses were granted before Greenland stopped issuing new licenses in 2021, citing the worsening climate crisis. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026

The filing says the number of bodily injury claims rose 5% in the first half of 2026 and injury claim costs on average jumped 10%, both measures worsening when compared to 2025. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

If the person begins throwing up, has worsening symptoms or symptoms that last for more than an hour, the CDC recommends getting medical help. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

But extreme precipitation, not just the lack of it, plays a role in worsening fire conditions too. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

In Jambi, more than 124 acres of peatland have burned, causing choking haze in some areas and raising concerns about worsening air quality. — Trisnadi, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Faced with a tight supply of interceptors and worsening attacks on its cities, Kyiv has been pressing Washington to co-produce the Patriot system. — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Aid funding cuts and rising diesel and fertilizer costs linked to the broader disruption caused by the war in Iran are also worsening the situation, according to the World Food Programme, which is distributing food in the city. — Kate Bartlett, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026