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worsento become worse or make something worse

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to become worse or make something worse

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwɜːrsən/

Example Sentences

  • My cooking skills worsen every time my mom visits because I get nervous.
  • The traffic jam will only worsen if we don't find alternative routes.
  • His jokes worsen with age, but somehow they become funnier because they're so bad.

worsen

VERB

[/ˈwɜːrsən/]

to become worse or make something worse

The cooking disaster worsens as flames spread beyond the pot
💡 Concept

The cooking disaster worsens as flames spread beyond the pot

The person and basin both worsen.
🎵 Rhyme

The person and basin both worsen.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈwɜːrsən/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈwɜːsən/

🌳Etymology

Rootworse
Suffix--en

Origin

From Old English 'wyrsa' meaning 'worse,' combined with the causative suffix '-en' which creates a verb meaning 'to make or become.' The root traces back to Proto-Germanic origins related to 'worst.'

Breakdown

worse (adjective, comparative of bad) + -en (causative suffix making verbs) = worsen (to make worse or become worse)

🎵Rhyme

personbasin
person
basin

🔗Collocations

worsen the situation
symptoms worsen
condition worsens
worsen rapidly
worsen the problem

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My cooking skills worsen every time my mom visits because I get nervous.

The traffic jam will only worsen if we don't find alternative routes.

😄 Fun example

His jokes worsen with age, but somehow they become funnier because they're so bad.

The economic situation continues to worsen despite government intervention.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

deteriorateaggravateexacerbatedeclinedegrade

Antonyms

improvebetterenhance

Related

worseworstdeteriorationaggravation

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