worsen
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become worse.
was worsening
-
past progressiveof worsen.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Crime ranked as citizens’ top concern in all Latin American countries, except Argentina, surveyed in a global Ipsos poll in February, with respondents saying the problem was worsening in several countries.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026
In May, OpenAI pulled a version of ChatGPT it described as “noticeably more sycophantic,” in part due to reports that the tool was worsening psychotic delusions and encouraging dangerous impulses in users with mental illness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2025
In another edition, on crime, the government denied the situation was worsening, claiming only 9% of crimes in Cuba were violent and just 3% were murders.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2024
International humanitarian organizations said the blackout, which began late on Friday, was worsening an already desperate situation by impeding life-saving operations and preventing contact with their staff on the ground.
From Reuters ● Oct. 28, 2023
Daylight was waning, the weather was worsening, my reserves of strength were nearly gone.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
