worsen
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become worse.
were 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.
The blazes were worsening on Friday in Canada, where more than 200 fires were burning out of control, especially in Ontario, according to authorities there.
From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026
Jillian Lucas's symptoms were worsening at such a rate that she had begun to weigh something once unthinkable to her: medically assisted dying.
From BBC ● Jan. 10, 2026
When asked whether they thought the economic conditions in the United States as a whole were getting better or getting worse, 70 percent of Americans said economic conditions were worsening.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 4, 2022
Saudi Arabia was careening toward a recession, and market conditions for a listing were worsening.
From Reuters ● Sep. 27, 2018
Constant themes in the security forces’ account were worsening morale, how close they were to the Taliban, and how far they were from help and reinforcements.
From New York Times ● Jul. 22, 2015
