worsen

[wur-suhn]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become worse.

   Synonyms: sink, sink, slip, deteriorate, decline, decline

worsen

/ ˈwɜːsən /

verb

1. to grow or cause to grow worse

Word History and Origins

Origin of worsen¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English wersnen “to deteriorate”; worse, -en ¹

Example Sentences

Marseille is renowned for worsening drugs wars, with rival gangs from high-immigration neighbourhoods in the north of the city battling over turf.

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Finances weighed on the couple, and, at age 42, Lisa faced long odds that worsened as time passed.

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She tried to stay as active as possible as advised and was referred to NHS physio sessions online and by phone, but found the pain worsening as her pregnancy progressed.

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Dr. Thierry notes that ongoing overproduction of NETs, driven by cycles of inflammation and clot formation, may worsen disease severity.

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The spat worsened in April when Algeria expressed outrage after one of its consular staff in France was arrested over the kidnapping of a government critic in Paris.

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Related Words

• aggravate 
• damage 
• decline 
• depress 
• deteriorate 
• exacerbate 
• get worse www.thesaurus.com
• impair 
• lower