worsen
WURSN
Worsen (verb) means to make or become worse. Example: “The medication may worsen symptoms in rare cases.”
verb
1
To make or become worse.
"The medication may worsen symptoms in rare cases."
"Her condition worsened overnight."
"Global warming has worsened the weather."
"As for further retaliation: adding such fuel to the fire, as it were, will only worsen the already unpleasant state of affairs."
"The weather has worsened."
How to use worsen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get worse, or to make something get worse.
Common pairings
worsening conditions
worsen the situation
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- worsens
- Past tense
- worsened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The medication may _____ symptoms in rare cases.
Etymology
From Middle English wursnen, built from worse plus the verb-forming suffix "-en" (as in "sharpen" or "widen").
Synonyms
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atrophy
break down
decline
crack
deteriorate
degenerate
devolve
confound
fade
fall off
go bad
go downhill
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “worsen” mean?
The word “worsen” means to make or become worse. In plain terms, to get worse, or to make something get worse.
How do you pronounce “worsen”?
“Worsen” is pronounced WURSN (/ˈwɝsn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “worsen” in a sentence?
Here is “worsen” used in a sentence: “The medication may worsen symptoms in rare cases.”
What is another word for “worsen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “worsen” include atrophy, break down, decline, crack, deteriorate and degenerate.
What is the opposite of “worsen”?
The opposite of “worsen” — its antonyms — are better, improve and ameliorate.
What part of speech is “worsen”?
“Worsen” is a verb.
Where does the word “worsen” come from?
The word “worsen” comes from Middle English. From Middle English wursnen, built from worse plus the verb-forming suffix "-en" (as in "sharpen" or "widen").
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