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Showing results for worsen.
Definitions

worsen

[wur-suhn] / ˈwɜr sən /
VERB
diminish, decay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate damage decline depress deteriorate exacerbate get worse impair lower
STRONG
corrode degenerate descend disintegrate retrograde retrogress rot sink
WEAK
fall off go downhill
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid comfort help improve increase make happy raise rise soothe
STRONG
build grow

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The companies plan to expand into cities with colder weather, which can worsen the pothole problem.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Issues such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and imbalances in gut bacteria can worsen disease processes.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Over time, her condition continued to worsen and she can now no longer speak.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Behold “tech neck,” a name for those horizontal neck lines that develop across your neck with age and apparently worsen with incessant smartphone use.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Ngawang’s condition continued to worsen as the day dragged on.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer