# worsening

/ˈwɝsənɪŋ/ (US) · /wˈɜːsənɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/worsening
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

becoming worse or more serious than before. You use this to describe a situation that is getting harder to deal with.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used attributively before a noun to describe a deteriorating state.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.