Word
worsening
Phoneticswors·en·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɝsənɪŋ/
UK/wˈɜːsənɪŋ/
Definition
adj. becoming worse or more serious than before. You use this to describe a situation that is getting harder to deal with.
adj. becoming more severe, intense, or lower in quality over time. Often used as a participial adjective to describe conditions, health, or weather.
Examples
“The worsening weather forced us to stay inside.”
“Doctors are closely monitoring the patient's worsening condition to decide if surgery is necessary.”
“The worsening economic climate has led many small businesses to reconsider their expansion plans for the next fiscal year, as consumer confidence continues to decline across the region.”
Examples
simple
“The worsening weather forced us to stay inside.”
contextual
“Doctors are closely monitoring the patient's worsening condition to decide if surgery is necessary.”
complex
“The worsening economic climate has led many small businesses to reconsider their expansion plans for the next fiscal year, as consumer confidence continues to decline across the region.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “worsening” in context.
Usage
Often used attributively before a noun to describe a deteriorating state.
Real-World Examples
“This means someone could go through much of life with flexible joints, but an "external environmental stressor" could come along, worsening everything.” “Residents and researchers say worsening heat and water stress are putting new pressure on an old divide.” - 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
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