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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deepening
to make more severe
the harsh winter only worsened the fuel shortage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in deterioration
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of worsening
Kylie Mohr, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025
The conflict is delaying training for thousands of medical students, likely leading to a worsening health care crisis for Sudan for years to come.
—Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 7 Jan. 2025
The stagnation of major economies is worsening the situation.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
The United States withdrew its forces from Europe while demanding debt payments from allies, who passed the costs on to Germany, worsening its financial turmoil and hastening its slide into Nazism.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects or worsening symptoms.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Elton John made light of his worsening eyesight while presenting the award for Best Original Score at the 2025 Golden Globes on Sunday night.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2025
Federal and state officials said the new operating rules for the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project that were developed over the last three years will bring greater stability to the state’s supplies in the face of worsening droughts intensified by climate change.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
These conditions may have more severe symptoms that are worsening your PMS.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
Highly flammable tamarisk shrubs have taken root in thick stands near streams in the western US, and eucalyptus — one of the primary invasive trees blamed for worsening Chile’s recent wildfires as well as fires in Portugal — increases wildfire risk in California.
—Kylie Mohr, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025
The conflict is delaying training for thousands of medical students, likely leading to a worsening health care crisis for Sudan for years to come.
—Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 7 Jan. 2025
The stagnation of major economies is worsening the situation.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
The United States withdrew its forces from Europe while demanding debt payments from allies, who passed the costs on to Germany, worsening its financial turmoil and hastening its slide into Nazism.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects or worsening symptoms.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Elton John made light of his worsening eyesight while presenting the award for Best Original Score at the 2025 Golden Globes on Sunday night.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2025
Federal and state officials said the new operating rules for the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project that were developed over the last three years will bring greater stability to the state’s supplies in the face of worsening droughts intensified by climate change.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
These conditions may have more severe symptoms that are worsening your PMS.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 22 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worsening
Verb
-
Dahl’s relationship with the police department was deteriorating.—
Ronan Farrow,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Retail experts saw a lack of investment in Hudson’s Bay stores, diminishing service levels and deteriorating physical conditions, like malfunctioning escalators and water damage in certain locations.—
David Moin,
WWD,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But a decade later, the 38-story structure has become emblematic of Hartford’s deepening office market troubles.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Ukraine and its European backers have watched on with deepening concern over the thawing of relations between Washington and Moscow.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Most of the time, the summer slide—in other words, the deterioration of intellectual skills gained during the school year, during a period when kids are on breaks—is associated with a student’s reading skills, says Alexander.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
25 June 2025
-
The disease causes deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, a process that sets off a series of worsening symptoms.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
19 June 2025
Verb
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This stylish planter keeps plants well-watered and is virtually indestructible, designed to resist cracking and crumbling even in freezing temperatures.—
Rachel Ahrnsen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Jan. 2025
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Since gaining public recognition in 2013, a spate of crumbling buildings in Ireland has been known as the mica crisis or scandal.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But questions are intensifying over the fate of FDA user fee programs, the measles response and, most recently, Kennedy's decision to end the federal recommendation for fluoride in drinking water.—
Victoria Knight,
Axios,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Wednesday Eastern Time, intensifying global trade uncertainty.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
According to Yau, those with acne-prone skin should reach for a stainless steel gua sha—unlike natural stone, stainless steel is non-porous and anti-bacterial, preventing unwanted breakouts and aggravating easily congested skin.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
13 Mar. 2025
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Following his final round, the two-time major champion detailed surviving the weekend without aggravating his rib injury.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But beneath that was a second failing: the Bears ranked 25th in PFF run-blocking grade from 11 personnel.—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Peter Johnston, the BBC’s director of editorial complaints and reviews, is examining the failings that led to the film being broadcast.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
20 June 2025
Verb
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And what's in Jim's hand as he's seen descending the stairways?—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
24 Mar. 2025
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Inflation, which had peaked at an annual rate above 9%, was descending fitfully toward the Fed's goal of 2%.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Worsening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worsening. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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