worse
Not as good as something else; of lower quality or in a worse condition.
Of a lower standard, quality, or condition than something else, often in comparison to another state or time.
In a way that is more bad or unpleasant.
To a greater extent in an undesirable or unfavorable way.
A situation that is more bad than another one.
A situation, condition, or outcome that is more serious, unpleasant, or harmful than another being compared.
- Base: worse
- Comparative: worser
- Superlative: worsest
- Base: worse
- Plural: worses
for better or worse
1No matter if results are good or bad
Used to say that something will happen no matter if it ends well or badly.
- We are partners, for better or worse.
- For better or worse, this decision will affect us all.
make matters worse
1Cause a bad situation to get even worse
To do something that makes an already bad situation even more bad.
- Don't say anything now—you'll only make matters worse.
- She was late, and to make matters worse, she forgot her notes.
take a turn for the worse
1Suddenly become more serious or unpleasant
To quickly change and become more bad than before.
- The patient's condition took a turn for the worse overnight.
- Our holiday took a turn for the worse when it started raining nonstop.