Finesentence

Worsen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📉
Save

worsen

wors-en

🇺🇸 /ˈwɝsən/ · 🇬🇧 /wˈɜːsən/

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

intransitive verb

To become worse or to make something become worse. This term is often used in the context of a situation or condition deteriorating over time.

Synonyms

decline, degenerate, deteriorate.

Examples of usage

  • The weather is expected to worsen over the weekend.
  • If you don't take action now, the situation will only worsen.
  • Her health began to worsen after she stopped taking her medication.
Context #2 | Verb

transitive verb

To make a situation, condition, or quality more severe or less desirable.

Synonyms

aggravate, exacerbate, intensify.

Examples of usage

  • The new regulations may worsen the economic situation.
  • His comments only served to worsen the tension in the room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “worsen”

Worsen is a 2-syllable verb (wors-en). It is pronounced /ˈwɝsən/ in American English and /wˈɜːsən/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #19,687 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'worsen'

The word 'worsen' is derived from the combination of 'worse' and the suffix '-en', which is used to form verbs indicating a change in state or condition. The term has been in use since the late 16th century, evolving from the Middle English word 'worsenen'. Over time, 'worsen' has become a commonly used term to describe the deterioration or aggravation of a situation, condition, or quality.

See also: worse, worsening.

Rhymes

Worsen rhymes with businessperson, person, berson, burson, gerson, herson, in-person and iversen.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,687, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.