This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
worse
[ wurs ]
/ wɜrs /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective, comparative of bad and ill, withworst as superlative.
noun
that which is worse.
adverb
in a more evil, wicked, severe, or disadvantageous manner.
with more severity, intensity, etc.; in a greater degree.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"
"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."
Question 1 of 7
IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?
Origin of worse
First recorded before 900; Middle English (adjective, adverb, and noun); Old English wiersa (comparative adjective), wiers (adverb); cognate with Old Norse verri, Gothic wairsiza; see war2
Words nearby worse
worrit, worry, worry beads, worryguts, worrywart, worse, worse for wear, worsen, worser, worset, worship
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use worse in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for worse
worse
/ (wɜːs) /
adjective
noun
adverb
in a more severe or unpleasant manner
in a less effective or successful manner
Word Origin for worse
Old English wiersa; related to Old Frisian werra, Old High German wirsiro, Old Norse verri, Gothic wairsiza
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with worse
worse
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.