The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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worsen

verb

/ˈwɜr sən/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of worsen

To make something more severe, intense, or unfavorable.
"The economic situation in the country continued to worsen, leading to job losses."

Detailed meaning of worsen

When something worsens, it deteriorates in quality, condition, or state. It indicates a decline or negative progression, often leading to increased difficulties, problems, or adverse consequences. Worsening can be used to describe a wide range of scenarios, such as a deteriorating health condition, a worsening economic situation, or the intensification of a conflict or crisis. It implies a movement away from a desirable or satisfactory state towards a more challenging or undesirable state. Worsening can bring about increased hardship, pain, or dissatisfaction, and it often requires attention, intervention, or remedial measures to mitigate the negative effects and strive towards improvement.

Example sentences containing worsen

1. The storm is expected to worsen throughout the night.
2. His health condition began to worsen despite the treatment.
3. I hope this situation doesn't worsen any further.
4. The economic crisis threatens to worsen the already high unemployment rate.
5. The conflict between the two countries continues to worsen.
6. The heavy rainfall caused the flooding to worsen in the low-lying areas.

History and etymology of worsen

The verb 'worsen' can be traced back to the Old English word 'wiersian,' which meant to become worse or deteriorate. It is formed from the adjective 'wirse,' meaning worse, and the suffix '-ian,' which is used to create verbs. In essence, 'worsen' originally conveyed the idea of something becoming more severe, intense, or unfavorable. As the English language evolved, 'worsen' retained its core meaning, describing the action of making a situation, condition, or circumstance more negative or unfavorable than it previously was. This etymology highlights the historical connection between 'worsen' and the concept of degradation or decline in various contexts.

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Further usage examples of worsen

1. The lack of communication only served to worsen the misunderstanding.
2. Without proper maintenance, the road conditions will worsen over time.
3. The decision to cut funding will only worsen the education system.
4. It's important to address the issue now before it has a chance to worsen.
5. The patient's symptoms started to worsen, requiring immediate medical attention.
6. The delay in repairs caused the damage to worsen.
7. If we don't take action, the pollution levels will worsen in the city.
8. The economic downturn has caused the poverty rate to worsen.
9. The conflict between the two rival gangs continues to worsen in the neighborhood.
10. Ignoring the warning signs will only worsen the situation.
11. The company's financial troubles are expected to worsen in the coming months.
12. The lack of rainfall has caused the drought conditions to worsen in the region.
13. The traffic congestion in the city is likely to worsen during peak hours.
14. The political tension has the potential to worsen if a resolution isn't reached soon.