worse

[wurs]

adjective

1. bad or ill in a greater or higher degree; inferior in excellence, quality, or character.

2. more unfavorable or injurious.

3. in less good condition; in poorer health.

noun

1. that which is worse.

adverb

1. in a more evil, wicked, severe, or disadvantageous manner.

2. with more severity, intensity, etc.; in a greater degree.

worse

/ wɜːs /

adjective

1. the comparative of bad 1

2. not harmed by (adverse events or circumstances)

3. 1. shabby or worn

   2. a slang term for drunk

4. informal,  unhappily; unfortunately

5. (postpositive) in a worse, esp a worse financial, condition

noun

1. something that is worse

2. into a less desirable or inferior state or condition

   a change for the worse

3. to deteriorate even more

adverb

1. in a more severe or unpleasant manner

2. in a less effective or successful manner

Word History and Origins

Origin of worse¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English (adjective, adverb, and noun); Old English wiersa (comparative adjective), wiers (adverb); cognate with Old Norse verri, Gothic wairsiza; war ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of worse¹

Old English wiersa; related to Old Frisian werra, Old High German wirsiro, Old Norse verri, Gothic wairsiza

Idioms and Phrases

• all the (worse)
• bark is worse than one's bite
• fate worse than death
• for better or for worse
• from bad to worse
• if worst comes to worst
• none the worse
• take a turn for the better (worse)
• worst

Example Sentences

“Yeah. Dread in the morning. Anxiety and depression throughout the day. Sometimes I wonder if even worse when my parents try to help me — ”

Read more on Salon

“I guess there have been a lot of people who have come into government with worse backgrounds.”

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“I guess there have been a lot of people who have come into government with worse backgrounds.”

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The biggest corporate owner admits it might have to sell if things get worse.

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Since the Vikings selected him with the No. 10 pick in 2024, McCarthy has been injury prone and has struggled even worse when he has actually been on the field.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bad 
• poor