B2verbhealth
US/ˈwɜːr.sən/
UK/ˈwɜː.sən/
to become worse, or to make something worse than it was before
In context
Her cough worsened after a week of breathing the smoky air in Hanoi.
Doctors warn that stress can worsen skin problems such as eczema.
Relations between the two neighbors worsened after an argument about parking.
Words that go with worsen
adjective + noun
- worsening situationAid groups are concerned about the worsening situation in the flooded provinces.
verb + noun
- worsen the problemCutting nurses' pay would only worsen the problem of staff shortages.
- worsen symptomsStrong coffee can worsen symptoms of anxiety in some people.
adverb + verb
- rapidly worseningThe patient was moved to intensive care because of a rapidly worsening infection.
- further worsenHigher interest rates could further worsen the housing crisis for young families.
verb + adverb
- worsen significantlyAir quality in the capital worsened significantly during the dry season.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The situation becomes worsen.Correct: The situation worsens. / The situation becomes worse.