Showing results for "worse"

• comparative of bad.

worse

American  

[wurs] / wɜrs /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

worse Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing worse

• 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

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Etymology

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 war ²

Explanation

Worse means "not as good as something else" or "changed negatively," like a sore throat that is getting worse, meaning it hurts more now. Worse comes from the Old Saxon word werran or "to entangle, compound." To compound is to add to, so if troubles, complication, or anything else that entangles are added to a situation, it will get worse. Remember that worse is used to compare two things, such as "now" and "before," while worst compares three or more things. You might use worse than yesterday, but this doesn't make it the worst cold you ever had.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

worse

Paramount and just about every other major studio pulling the strings in Hollywood look even worse; it also makes the film itself look even better.

From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2026

His life has been intertwined with money, business, politics and privilege — for better or worse.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026

Chiyuki Izumii, a tour guide for the Japan Guide Agency, feels tourist behaviour has got worse in recent years.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

"We often look at a pattern or grouping that has a relationship with better or worse outcomes rather than just looking at a single molecule."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 29, 2026

For I regret to inform you that the story does get worse before it gets better.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

• bad
• poor