Language Research

worse · adjective

/wɜːs/Full view

worse

A2 (comparative of bad) more unpleasant or difficult than something else that is also bad

Dictionary examples:

The exam was worse than I expected.

His behaviour is even worse than his sister's.

The heat is much worse in the daytime.

Learner example:

It takes me more than one hour to get to work every day. In the evening it is even worse. (Skills for Life (Entry 3); B1; Spanish)

get worse

B1 to become more ill, unpleasant, difficult, severe, etc. than before

Dictionary examples:

My cold seems to be getting worse.

If the rain gets any worse, we'll have to stop walking.

Learner example:

I thought, it couldn't get worse. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

worse and worse

B2 used to emphasize how unpleasant, difficult, severe, etc. something is becoming

Dictionary example:

The economic climate is getting worse and worse.

Learner example:

The traffic situation in all big towns is getting worse and worse, so that bicycles or public transport must become more attractive. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

worse · noun U

/wɜːs/

worse

C1 something that is more unpleasant or difficult

Dictionary examples:

By the third month of the expedition they had endured many hardships, but worse was to follow.

"What about the bride's dress - wasn't it appalling?" "I don't know, I've seen worse."

Learner example:

But worse was to come at 19:30 when we went to see one of London's musicals. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Italian)

worse · adverb

/wɜːs/

worse

B1 comparative of badly

Dictionary examples:

He did worse than he was expecting in the exams.

He was treated much worse than I was.

to make matters worse

B2 to make a situation more difficult, unpleasant, etc.

Dictionary example:

To make matters worse, our car broke down!

Learner example:

To make matters worse, the newspaper said they only played for thirty-five minutes. (First Certificate in English; B2; Thai)