Search Dictionary
Definition of worsen

worsen

/ˈwɜːrs.ən/
wor · sen
Adjective:worsening
•
Past Simple:worsened
•
Past Participle:worsened
•
Present Participle:worsening
JUMP TO:

worsen Lexical Profile

worsen Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To become more severe, unfavorable, or inferior in quality or condition.

Example

"Traffic congestion tends to worsen during the evening rush hour."

2

To make a situation, problem, or condition more severe or unpleasant.

Example

"Ignoring the leaky roof will only worsen the structural damage over the winter."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for worsen
Antonyms
View all antonyms for worsen

• Rhymes for worsen

• Nearby Words

worrying
worryingly
worrywart
worsen
worship
worshiper
worshipful

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as worsnen, combining the comparative adjective worse (from Old English wyrsa) with the verbal suffix -en.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Worsen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/worsen
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.