worsen

verb

wors·​en ˈwər-sᵊn How to pronounce worsen (audio)
worsened; worsening
ˈwərs-niŋ, 
ˈwər-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce worsen (audio)
Synonyms of worsennext

transitive verb

: to make worse

intransitive verb

: to become worse
the weather began to worsen

Synonyms of worsen

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Examples of worsen in a Sentence

Spending more money is only going to worsen the problem. the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both have become tools for wealthy families seeking easier travel or a fallback if political and economic conditions worsen at home. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026 Climate events have worsened the debt challenge in developing countries. — Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2026 Winds will worsen once the area of low pressure that will become the coastal storm starts to develop off the North Carolina coast Sunday. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 The deaths came as Indonesia intensified efforts to combat forest and land fires that have worsened this year as El Niño intensifies a prolonged dry season. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worsen

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of worsen was in the 13th century

Rhymes for worsen

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Browse Nearby Words

worsement
worsen
worseness
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Cite this Entry

“Worsen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worsen. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

worsen

verb
wors·​en ˈwərs-ᵊn How to pronounce worsen (audio)
worsened; worsening ˈwərs-niŋ How to pronounce worsen (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become worse
the weather worsened
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