Worsen Meaning
/ˈwɜːsn̩/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo make worse; to impair.
verbTo become worse; to get worse.
Sentence Examples
They were apprehensive that the situation would worsen.
Thank goodness it didn't worsen. But please don't push yourself yet.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Without proper treatment, the infection continued to ____ over the next few days.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
If the situation continues to ____, the company will have to make some very many difficult decisions later this year today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English wursnen; equivalent to worse + -en.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It is apparent that, in the particular point of which we have been conversing, their condition is greatly worsened."
— 1829, Robert Southey, “(please specify the page)”, in Sir Thomas More: or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC:
"During the day conditions worsened quickly—for example, a 2-6-0 on the Uckfield line suddenly encountered flood water high enough to enter its ashpan and extinguish its fire—until lock gates up-river at Barcombe gave way and a tidal wave rolled down the valley meeting head-on a spring tide rolling up from the coast."
— 1961 January, “Talking of Trains: Flooding at Lewes”, in Trains Illustrated, page 5:
"TPE's cancellation score worsened from 7.2% to 23.8% when adjusted to include pre-cancellations (P*-coded) owing to a shortage of train crew."
— 2023 April 5, Mel Holley, “Network News: TPE faces uncertain future after high cancellation rate”, in RAIL, number 980, page 8:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Without proper treatment, the infection continued to ____ over the next few days.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
If the situation continues to ____, the company will have to make some very many difficult decisions later this year today.