First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1worse
adjective \ˈwərs\
: lower in quality
: less pleasant, attractive, appealing, effective, useful, etc.
: more serious or severe
1
: of more inferior quality, value, or condition
2
a : more unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant, or painful b : more faulty, unsuitable, or incorrect c : less skillful or efficient
3
: bad, evil, or corrupt in a greater degree : more reprehensible
4
: being in poorer health : sicker
See worse defined for English-language learners
See worse defined for kids
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Origin of WORSE
Middle English werse, worse, from Old English wiersa, wyrsa; akin to Old High German wirsiro worse
2worse
noun
: something that is worse
Full Definition of WORSE
: one that is worse <threatened expulsion and worse>
See worse defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WORSE
before 12th century
3worse
adverb
: in a worse way
—used to say that what is going to be described is worse than what was mentioned before
1
: in a worse manner : to a worse extent or degree
2
: what is worse
See worse defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WORSE
before 12th century
WORSE Defined for Kids
1worse
adjective \ˈwərs\
1
: more bad or evil <Is cheating worse than lying?>
2
: being in poorer health <The child was worse the next day.>
3
: more unfavorable, difficult, or unpleasant <a worse punishment>
4
: of poorer quality, value, or condition <This car is worse than that one.>
5
: less skillful <I practice, but keep getting worse.>
6
: less happy <She made me feel worse.>
7
: more faulty or unsuitable <His idea was even worse.>
2worse
noun
Definition of WORSE for Kids
: something worse <I suffered insults and worse.>
3worse
adverb
: not as well : in a worse way <I hate getting lost worse than anything.>
Medical Dictionary
worse
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