ˈwərs ə n, ˈwə̄s-, ˈwəis- verb
( worsened ; worsened ; worsening -s( ə )niŋ ; worsens )
Etymology: Middle English worsenen, from worse (I) + -nen -en
transitive verb
: to make worse : cause to deteriorate : impair
the unfortunate disputes … still further worsened relations — Sir Winston Churchill
revolution … actually worsened their economic status — New Republic
heavy storms worsened the fuel shortage
intransitive verb
: to become worse : deteriorate
the lot of the slaves worsened — W.L.Sperry
international relations may suddenly worsen
the seas … were distinctly higher and the weather was obviously worsening — Bill Redgrave