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

• atrophy
• crumble
• decay
• decline
• degenerate
• descend
• deteriorate
• devolve
• ebb
• regress
• retrograde
• rot
• sink

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

The administration’s threat of tariffs on pharmaceuticals risks political backlash, worsening drug shortages and future battles over who pays. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025

Some evidence suggests that creatine may worsen mania symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025

The death of the head of the Catholic Church comes after a series of worsening health problems, including a respiratory crisis that left him in critical condition in recent months. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025

Additionally, 92% of workers are concerned about a potential recession, and 52% foresee burnout rates worsening this year. —Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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