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

Amy Nicholson: There are worse ways to spend your life than watching four movies a day in the south of France.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

And the pressures on consumers caused by higher gas prices are about to get worse, experts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

But with uncertainty over how long the Middle East conflict will last, Brussels warned that Europe could face a worse scenario if energy prices keep rising until the end of the year.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Her study also found caregivers tend to experience worse mental health and are less likely to work full-time — two pressures she said can strain even strong marriages.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

They got worse from there, but they did include an image of the new cover, a screenshot of the tour schedule, and a photo of Lorren crossing her eyes and sticking out her tongue.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

Related Words

• bad
• poor