Worsen — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈwər-sᵊn/ wors·en

Meaning & Definition of Worsen

Worsen (verb)

  1. to make worse
  2. to become worse

Worsen (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to become worse or of less value

    "the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect"

    similar: atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, devolve, ebb, regress, retrograde, rot, sink, go to pot, go to seed
    related: abate, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, recede, wane, break down, corrupt, decompose, degrade, dilapidate, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, sour, spoil, lessen, lower, reduce, debilitate, undermine, droop, fail, fall, flag, lag, languish, run down, sag, slip, waste (away), weaken, wilt
    opposite: ameliorate, improve, meliorate
    near: better, upgrade, enhance, enrich, fortify, heighten, intensify, strengthen, advance, develop, march, proceed, progress

  2. to make more severe

    "the harsh winter only worsened the fuel shortage"

    similar: aggravate, complicate, exacerbate
    related: amplify, deepen, intensify, magnify
    opposite: allay, alleviate, assuage, ease, help, mitigate, relieve
    near: ameliorate, better, improve

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Worsen

The most common words with a similar meaning to Worsen:

atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, devolve, ebb, regress, retrograde, rot, sink, aggravate, complicate, exacerbate, go to pot, go to seed

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Worsen

Words with the opposite meaning of Worsen:

ameliorate, improve, meliorate, allay, alleviate, assuage, ease, help, mitigate, relieve

Related Words for Worsen

abate, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, recede, wane, break down, corrupt, decompose, degrade, dilapidate, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, sour, spoil, lessen, lower, reduce, debilitate, undermine, droop, fail, fall, flag, lag, languish, run down, sag

Near Antonyms of Worsen

better, upgrade, enhance, enrich, fortify, heighten, intensify, strengthen, advance, develop, march, proceed, progress

Word Forms of Worsen

Inflections: worsened, worsening

Origin & Etymology of Worsen

First known use: 13th centuryt

Frequently Asked Questions about Worsen

What does "Worsen" mean?

"Worsen" means to make worse. As a verb, it is defined as: to make worse. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Worsen"?

Other words for "Worsen" include atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate and devolve. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Worsen" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Worsen"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Worsen". Common alternatives include atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, devolve, ebb and regress.

What is the opposite of "Worsen"?

Antonyms of "Worsen" include ameliorate, improve, meliorate, allay, alleviate, assuage, ease and help. Near antonyms include better, upgrade, enhance and enrich.

How do you use "Worsen" in a sentence?

Examples of "Worsen" in a sentence: "the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect"; "the harsh winter only worsened the fuel shortage".

Is "Worsen" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Worsen" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Worsen"?

"Worsen" is pronounced /ˈwər-sᵊn/ and divided into syllables as wors·en.

What is the origin of the word "Worsen"?

First known use: 13th centuryt.