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

Residents living next to biomass plants, like Drax’s, say the operations have worsened asthma and routinely leave a film of dust on their cars.

From Los Angeles Times

Nutritionists and GPs I spoke to have also expressed concerns about the broader system, and in particular whether existing health inequalities could worsen.

From BBC

But the law’s flaws have become increasingly accepted in recent years as the state’s housing crisis worsened, with Newsom signing two bills to overhaul the the law and ease new construction earlier this year.

From Los Angeles Times

How much the U.N. has really accomplished in subsequent decades to manage a world of constant disorder, worsening inequality and impending ecological collapse is very much open to doubt.

From Salon

"My symptoms worsened over about three months including severe headaches, my speech became affected as well as my balance and I was getting confused."

From BBC

Related Words

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