worsen

[wur-suhn]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become worse.

   Synonyms: sink, sink, slip, deteriorate, decline, decline

worsen

/ ˈwɜːsən /

verb

1. to grow or cause to grow worse

Word History and Origins

Origin of worsen¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English wersnen “to deteriorate”; worse, -en ¹

Example Sentences

One woman told the group that excessive heat worsens her hypertension headaches, while another said that when it’s hot out, she gets more irritated by noises she can’t control.

From Los Angeles Times

Things are likely to worsen but scientists argue urgent action can still limit the worst effects of climate change.

From BBC

As the weather worsened, the Iranian skipper of the MV Matthew, Soheil Jelveh, wanted to head north, but his Dubai bosses warned him to avoid UK waters.

From BBC

Mrs Robinson said she had suffered with hip pain since the birth of her 18-month-old daughter, so did not think anything of it when it worsened.

From BBC

This is partly a story about the enduring allure of the almost-fascist far right in societies plagued by rising inflation, worsening inequality and internal tensions over race and immigration.

From Salon

Related Words

• aggravate 
• damage 
• decline 
• depress 
• deteriorate 
• exacerbate 
• get worse www.thesaurus.com
• impair 
• lower