for better or for worse

Idioms  

1. Under good or bad circumstances, with good or bad effect. For example, For better or for worse he trusts everyone. This term became widely familiar because it appears in the marriage service of the Book of Common Prayer (1549): “With this ring I thee wed, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, til death do us part.” [Late 1300s]

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Example Sentences

Meanwhile, the “market is looking through” the present administration’s policies for better or for worse, said Tracy Nolte, a portfolio manager at Advisors Asset Management.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Older Americans are, for better or for worse, working more hours, on average, than in previous decades, Pew researchers found.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

Our parenting could affect his outcome, for better or for worse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

It is the only “Gladiator” sequel that could possibly exist and exactly what you expect, for better or for worse.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024

They were married for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death should them part.

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer