worsen
UK: ˈwɜː.sən | US: ˈwɝː.sən
vt. to make or become worse
vi. to deteriorate in quality or condition
worsen = worse<comparative of 'bad'> + en<verb-forming suffix>
- worse: From Old English wiersa ("worse"), comparative of wyrsa ("bad").
- en: A verb-forming suffix of Germanic origin, used to convert adjectives or nouns into verbs (e.g., darken, strengthen).
Etymology Origin:
The word "worsen" combines the comparative form of "bad" (worse) with the Germanic suffix -en, which transforms adjectives into verbs. This logical construction reflects the process of becoming or making something "more bad." The suffix -en has been productive in English since the Middle English period, often attached to adjectives to indicate a change of state.
The weather is expected to worsen overnight.
Poor management could worsen the company's financial situation.
Ignoring the problem will only worsen it.
Her condition began to worsen after the treatment was delayed.
The conflict may worsen if no diplomatic solution is found.