worse

[wurs]

adjective

1. bad or ill in a greater or higher degree; inferior in excellence, quality, or character.

2. more unfavorable or injurious.

3. in less good condition; in poorer health.

noun

1. that which is worse.

adverb

1. in a more evil, wicked, severe, or disadvantageous manner.

2. with more severity, intensity, etc.; in a greater degree.

worse

/ wɜːs /

adjective

1. the comparative of bad 1

2. not harmed by (adverse events or circumstances)

3. 1. shabby or worn

   2. a slang term for drunk

4. informal,  unhappily; unfortunately

5. (postpositive) in a worse, esp a worse financial, condition

noun

1. something that is worse

2. into a less desirable or inferior state or condition

   a change for the worse

3. to deteriorate even more

adverb

1. in a more severe or unpleasant manner

2. in a less effective or successful manner

Word History and Origins

Origin of worse¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English (adjective, adverb, and noun); Old English wiersa (comparative adjective), wiers (adverb); cognate with Old Norse verri, Gothic wairsiza; war ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of worse¹

Old English wiersa; related to Old Frisian werra, Old High German wirsiro, Old Norse verri, Gothic wairsiza

Idioms and Phrases

• all the (worse)
• bark is worse than one's bite
• fate worse than death
• for better or for worse
• from bad to worse
• if worst comes to worst
• none the worse
• take a turn for the better (worse)
• worst

Example Sentences

Although the award was massive and unprecedented, it could have been much worse, according to some calculations.

From Los Angeles Times

The deaths of her parents made matters worse.

From BBC

I could say that’s for better or for worse, but when I look back at my career and the audience I’ve built and the opportunities I’ve had — it’s been for the better.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Hawkins said: "Life couldn't get any worse... and then they said this about us, and we just feel like these complete, utter monsters."

From BBC

“This report is about emphasizing the uncertainty — things might not be as bad as we think — while ignoring the potential that things could be much worse than we think,” Kopp said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bad 
• poor