Synonyms for

Worse

Verb / wɜ:s / Another word for worse — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Worse means less good or more unpleasant than something else.

Synonyms & similar words

highrisk big spoilt unsound tough sorry bad uncollectible good forged defective worsened unregretful unfit regretful risky speculative better spoiled inferior poorer weaker lesser substandard bad unfavorable unpleasant dreadful terrible awful dire miserable wretched lousy horrible disastrous grievous grave atrocious

Synonyms by register

Formal

inferior poorer lesser

Informal

lousier crappier bummier

Literary

more dire more grievous

Antonyms

better best superior finer improved greater

Common collocations

  • much worse
  • even worse
  • getting worse
  • worse than
  • worse off
  • worse case scenario
  • worse than ever

Word family

adjective bad
adverb badly

Usage note

Worse is the comparative form of 'bad'. It is often used to indicate a decline in quality, condition, or severity. Avoid using 'more worse' as it is a double comparative.

Example sentences

  1. The food tasted worse than I expected.
  2. I feel worse today than I did yesterday.
  3. My cough is getting worse every day.
  4. The traffic was worse than usual this morning.
  5. I hope things don't get any worse.

Quotes

  • It is better to be alone than in bad company.
  • Things can always get worse.
  • We are not given a good life or a bad life. We are given a life. It's up to us to make it good or bad.

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