worsen
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become worse.
had worsened
-
past perfectof worsen.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She told staff that her neuroimmune condition had worsened and recovery would be much longer than anticipated.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
Nor was she in the mood to admit that her relationship with business had worsened after she hiked National Insurance tax for employers.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
On Friday, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner warned that Serbia's rights situation had worsened, citing attacks on activists and journalists, shrinking civic space and alleged police abuses at protests.
From Barron's ● May 23, 2026
A recent report by the California Department of Justice found that conditions had worsened at the immigration detention centers in the state.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026
And my cough had worsened considerably after a second night in the smoke-filled lodge.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
