worsen
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become worse.
have worsened
-
present perfectof worsen.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
All of this is having a discernible impact nationwide, as Pew Research found U.S. adults’ attitudes toward Islam have worsened since 9/11.
From Slate ● Nov. 2, 2026
Declines have worsened recently, falling 5% versus year-ago levels in the four weeks ended Oct.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2026
Now they have worsened to the state that they are in deeply oversold territory, which might suggest a bounce may be needed before declines can resume.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
Ties between Japan and Russia -- which fought a war in 1904-5 -- have worsened since the full-scale conflict in Ukraine began in 2022.
From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026
Almost unarguably, prisoners’ attitudes about their punish-ment have worsened.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
