Word
worsen
Phoneticswors·en, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɝsən/
UK/wˈɜːsən/
Definitions
01to become worse
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to get worse or become more serious over time.
v. to become more severe, lower in quality, or more problematic. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.
“The weather began to worsen just as we started our long walk home.”
“Economists fear that the situation will worsen if the central bank fails to intervene before the next fiscal quarter.”
Usage
Often used with subjects like 'weather', 'condition', 'health', or 'situation'.
Synonyms
02to make worse
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make a situation or feeling more difficult or unpleasant.
v. to cause something to become inferior or more problematic. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“Adding more salt will only worsen the taste of the soup.”
“The new regulations might actually worsen the housing shortage they were intended to solve.”
Usage
Commonly takes objects such as 'problem', 'crisis', or 'symptoms'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“But antihistamines could actually worsen some menopausal symptoms, says Huang.” “Fernandez's relationship with Chelsea worsened after the exit of Maresca in January.” Etymology
From Middle English wursnen; equivalent to worse + -en.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/worsen