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

“The potential consequences of lower rates add more nuance, potentially reflecting a worsening U.S. economy but also stoking fears of inflation; the by-now familiar theme of stagflation, historically supportive of gold,” the WGC said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But worsening cost trends, unanticipated investments, and pricier-than-expected mitigation efforts from moving to its new coding standard, called V28, remain potential roadblocks.

Read more on Barron's

Authorities in Indian capital Delhi unsuccessfully carried out a cloud seeding trial, which is the science of altering clouds to make rains, to tackle the city's worsening air pollution on Tuesday.

Read more on BBC

This week, UPS said External link it cut 48,000 employees and Amazon announced 14,000 layoffs, worsening concern that the labor market could start to deteriorate because momentum in hiring has stalled.

Read more on Barron's

This means storm surges happen on top of already elevated sea levels, worsening coastal flooding.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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