worse
adj. · adv. · n.-
1 more bad (adj.) A2 Elementaryof lower quality or more unpleasant than something else.
the comparative form of 'bad', indicating a lower standard of quality or a greater degree of unpleasantness.
ExampleThe weather is even worse today than it was yesterday.
ExampleThe economic conditions in the rural provinces are significantly worse than those in the capital, leading to mass migration.
PitfallThe weather today is more worse than yesterday.The weather today is worse than yesterday.Do not use 'more' with 'worse' because 'worse' is already a comparative form.
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2 more severely (adv.) B1 Intermediatein a way that is more serious or harmful.
the comparative form of 'badly', used to describe actions or states that occur with greater severity or less skill.
ExampleHe played worse in the second half of the game.
ExampleThe patient's condition began to deteriorate worse than the doctors had initially predicted, requiring immediate surgical intervention.
- more badly
- more severely
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3 the worse thing (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe part of a situation that is less good or more harmful.
a thing or circumstance that is of inferior quality or greater severity compared to another.
ExampleThe situation took a turn for the worse when it started to rain.
ExampleDespite the intervention, the political climate changed for the worse, resulting in the suspension of diplomatic talks.
UsageOften used in the phrase 'for the worse'.
From Middle English worse, werse, from Old English wiersa, from Proto-West Germanic wirsiʀō, from Proto-Germanic wirsizô. Cognate with Dutch wers (“worse”).
- 01
make matters worse
To worsen an already difficult situation or unfavourable set of circumstances, typically by acting rashly, foolishly, or incompetently.
- 02
one's bark is worse than one's bite
One acts in a threatening way but is relatively harmless.
- 03
take a turn for the worse
To start to become worse; to worsen.