worsening
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈwɜːrsənɪŋ/
KK: /ˈwɜrsənɪŋ/
noun
Definition
A situation that is becoming worse or more serious.
Example
The worsening of the weather made it difficult to travel.
Conversation
Have you noticed the worsening traffic lately?
Yeah, it's been really frustrating trying to get anywhere.
I wonder what's causing this worsening situation.
Maybe more people are moving to the area, but it's definitely getting worse.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
deterioration
decline
degradation
Antonyms
improvement
enhancement
advancement
verb
Definition
To become worse or to make something worse.
Example
The weather is worsening, and we might have to cancel our plans.
Tense Forms
Past: worsened
Past Participle: worsened
Conversation
Have you noticed how the weather is worsening lately?
Yeah, it feels like it's getting colder every week.
I wonder if it's going to snow soon with this worsening trend.
Root Explanation
Worsening → It is formed from "worse" (from Old English "wors", meaning of poorer quality or lower standard) and "-ening" (a suffix indicating a process or action). The word "worsening" means the process of becoming worse or deteriorating in quality.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'worse' to remember that 'worsening' refers to the process of becoming worse.
Visually Confused Words
woning