How Do You Spell WORSE?

Pronunciation: [wˈɜːs] (IPA)

The word "worse" is pronounced as /wɔːs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is spelled with the letter "s" at the end, unlike its similar-looking counterpart "worst", which has a "t" at the end. The silent "e" in "worse" indicates that the vowel "o" is pronounced as a long "o" sound, rather than a short "o" sound like in "wors". Correct spelling is crucial for effective written communication, and distinguishing between commonly confused words like "worse" and "worst" is essential.

WORSE Meaning and Definition

  1. Worse is an adjective used to describe something that is of a lower quality or standard than something else. It is a comparative form of the word "bad," indicating a greater degree of unpleasantness, inferiority, or unfavorable characteristics. When something is worse, it has more negative attributes or negative outcomes compared to another similar thing.

    In terms of physical conditions or health, worse refers to a deterioration or decline in the state of something, indicating a more serious, severe, or painful condition. For example, if someone's health condition becomes worse, it means that their illness or disease is progressing in a negative direction or becoming more severe.

    The term worse can also apply to people's behavior or conduct. If someone's behavior or actions are worse, it implies that they are behaving in a more negative, immoral, or unacceptable manner than before.

    Similarly, worse can be used to describe the quality of someone's performance, skill, or abilities. If someone performs worse than another person, it indicates that their performance is of a lesser standard, lacking proficiency, or exhibiting more mistakes or flaws.

    Overall, worse is a comparative term highlighting the decline in quality, condition, behavior, or performance when compared to another similar thing.

  2. • In a manner more evil or bad.
    • Used as the comparative of the adjective bad; bad or ill in a greater degree; more depraved and corrupt.
    • Not the advantage; loss, as, "Judah was put to the worse"; something less good, as, "he does not think the worse of him for it".

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for WORSE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for WORSE

Etymology of WORSE

The word "worse" originated from the Old English word "wyrsa", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "wersiza". This term is thought to have come from the Proto-Indo-European root word "wers-", meaning "to confuse, mix up". Over time, "worse" evolved to its current form in Modern English, continuing to convey the comparative degree of "bad" or "ill" when comparing two things.

Idioms with the word WORSE

  • for better or (for) worse The definition of the idiom "for better or (for) worse" is: regardless of whether it turns out well or poorly, no matter the outcome or consequences. It expresses a commitment or acceptance of a situation, without regard to the positive or negative aspects.
  • the worse for wear The idiom "the worse for wear" means to be in poor or deteriorated condition, either physically or mentally, typically as a result of rough handling, excessive use, or a difficult experience. It suggests that something or someone has suffered from damage, exhaustion, or weariness, making them appear less presentable or functional than before.
  • make matters worse The idiom "make matters worse" means to exacerbate or worsen an already problematic situation or scenario. It refers to actions or decisions that have an adverse effect, leading to a more difficult or unpleasant outcome.
  • worse luck The definition of the idiom "worse luck" refers to expressing disappointment or frustration with an unfortunate situation or outcome. It indicates a feeling of discontent or regret towards an undesired event or circumstance.
  • for the worse The idiom "for the worse" means that a situation has deteriorated or become worse compared to its previous state or condition. It refers to a negative change or outcome.
  • the worse for drink The idiom "the worse for drink" refers to someone who is intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, typically implying that their behavior or condition has deteriorated as a result.
  • go from bad to worse The idiom "go from bad to worse" means that a situation or problem, which was already difficult or unpleasant, has become even more challenging or undesirable. It signifies a downward progression or deterioration in circumstances.
  • for better or worse The idiom "for better or worse" is a phrase used when indicating a commitment, often in marriage, to accept and support someone or something unconditionally, regardless of the circumstances or outcomes. It implies a commitment to stand by someone regardless of the situation, whether it improves or deteriorates.
  • could be worse The idiom "could be worse" means that a situation is not ideal or perfect, but it is not as bad as it could be. It suggests that things could have been more challenging, difficult, or unpleasant, highlighting a relatively optimistic perspective.
  • take a turn for the worse The idiom "take a turn for the worse" means that a situation or someone's health has deteriorated or become more unfavorable compared to a previous state or expectation.
  • worse for wear The idiom "worse for wear" means to be in a deteriorated or damaged condition, usually as a result of prolonged use, neglect, or hardship. It is often used to describe items, objects, or people that have seen better days and are showing signs of wear and tear.
  • be the worse for wear The idiom "be the worse for wear" means to be in a worn-out or deteriorated condition, typically due to being used, worn, or damaged over time. It can also refer to a person being physically or mentally exhausted, injured, or appearing disheveled or disoriented.
  • (Things) could be worse The idiom "(Things) could be worse" is used to express that the current situation or conditions, although not ideal, are not as bad as they could be. It suggests that there are potential or imaginable scenarios that would be even more problematic. It is often used to find a positive outlook or perspective in a difficult or challenging situation.
  • worse off The idiom "worse off" refers to a situation in which someone or something is in a more unfavorable, disadvantaged, or difficult position compared to before or in comparison to others. It implies a decline in the circumstances or overall well-being of the subject.
  • seen worse The idiom "seen worse" is used to express the idea that despite a difficult or challenging situation, the current circumstances are comparatively better than others that have been experienced in the past. It implies a sense of resilience and the ability to deal with adversity based on previous experiences of even more trying situations.
  • be all the worse for wear The idiom "be all the worse for wear" means to be in a worn-out, damaged, or deteriorated condition. It is commonly used to describe something or someone that has undergone physical, emotional, or mental strain, causing them to become exhausted or impaired in some way.
  • from bad to worse The idiom "from bad to worse" means that a situation or condition is deteriorating or getting progressively worse. It refers to a series of events that go from being bad to becoming even more problematic or unfavorable.
  • all the worse for wear The definition of the idiom "all the worse for wear" is when something or someone is in a poor or deteriorated condition, usually due to damage, aging, or overuse. This phrase is often used to describe objects, but can also be applied to people who appear tired, worn-out, or physically exhausted.
  • we, you, he, etc. can/could/might do worse The idiom "we, you, he, etc. can/could/might do worse" means that the current situation or person being discussed may not be the best or most ideal option, but there are certainly worse alternatives available. It implies that while the current option may not be perfect, it is still acceptable considering the available alternatives.
  • come off worse The idiom "come off worse" refers to a situation where someone or something ends up in a disadvantageous or inferior position in comparison to others involved. It implies that someone does not come out as well as expected or desired, and may have experienced a loss or suffered from unfavorable circumstances.
  • confusion worse confounded The idiom "confusion worse confounded" means a situation or problem that is already confusing or bewildering but becomes even more complicated or disorganized. It implies that something chaotic or incomprehensible has further escalated, making it extremely difficult to understand or resolve.
  • (one) can do worse The idiom "(one) can do worse" means that a particular situation or choice, while not ideal or perfect, is still acceptable or relatively favorable compared to other potential options. It implies that there are worse alternatives available, and that the current option is not the worst available.
  • (one) could do worse The idiom "(one) could do worse" means that a particular option or choice is not necessarily the best, but it is still better than some of the other available alternatives. It suggest that although the option may not be perfect, it is still worth considering or accepting because there are worse possibilities.
  • (one) might do worse The idiom "(one) might do worse" means that a particular choice or option being considered is not the best, but still a reasonable or acceptable one. It implies that there are other alternatives that might be worse or less desirable.
  • his, her, etc. bark is worse than his, her, etc. bite The idiom "his, her, etc. bark is worse than his, her, etc. bite" means that someone's words or threats are more aggressive or intimidating than their actions. It implies that the person tends to make big claims or threats but fails to follow through with them.
  • Nothing so bad but (it) might have been worse. The idiom "Nothing so bad but (it) might have been worse" means that regardless of how bad a situation may seem, there is always the possibility that it could have been even worse. It highlights the idea that things could have turned out more negatively or with greater consequences, providing a sense of perspective and potential relief.
  • your bark is worse than your bite The idiom "your bark is worse than your bite" means that someone may appear or sound aggressive or intimidating, but they do not actually follow through with their threats or show any real aggression. It suggests that their actions do not match their words and that they are not as powerful or dangerous as they may seem.
  • bark is worse than bite The idiom "bark is worse than bite" means that someone's words or threats may sound more aggressive or dangerous than their actual actions. It implies that the person may talk or threaten a lot, but when it comes to taking concrete actions, they are less severe or effective than initially suggested.
  • none the worse, better, richer, etc. The idiom "none the worse, better, richer, etc." means that something or someone has not suffered any negative consequences or changes despite a particular event or situation. It implies that no harm or disadvantage has been experienced, and in some cases, there may even be some improvement or advantage gained.
  • fate worse than death The idiom "fate worse than death" is used to describe an extremely unpleasant or undesirable situation or outcome, often considered worse than dying. It implies that the circumstances are so dreadful that death would be a more preferable option.
  • none the worse for wear The idiom "none the worse for wear" means that a person or thing has not been damaged or affected negatively by an experience, often a difficult or challenging one. It implies that despite going through something, the individual or object remains in good condition or unaffected.
  • someone's bark is worse than their bite The idiom "someone's bark is worse than their bite" means that a person may appear aggressive or intimidating, but they are actually harmless or not as threatening as they initially appear. It suggests that their actions or words may not match their true intentions or capabilities.
  • a fate worse than death The idiom "a fate worse than death" is used to describe a situation or outcome that is considered to be highly undesirable, distressing, or unbearable, often surpassing the mere notion of death itself. It implies that facing this particular fate or circumstance would be more torturous or challenging than simply ceasing to exist.
  • be a fate worse than death The idiom "be a fate worse than death" is used to describe a situation or outcome that is believed to be incredibly terrible, unbearable, or worse than dying. It implies that facing or experiencing something is far more dreadful than the prospect of mortality itself.
  • Nothing so bad but might have been worse The idiom "Nothing so bad but might have been worse" means that no matter how bad a situation or event may be, it could have been even more severe or unfavorable. It highlights the notion that things could have turned out worse, providing some perspective and consolation in difficult circumstances.
  • if worse/worst comes to worst, at if the worst comes to the worst The idiom "if worse/worst comes to worst, or if the worst comes to the worst" is used to describe a situation in which something is already bad, but if it becomes even worse then measures or actions will be taken to deal with it. It represents preparing for the most extreme or unfavorable outcome as a precautionary measure.
  • (I've) seen worse. The idiom "(I've) seen worse" is a phrase used to express that something is not as bad as it may seem, based on the speaker's previous experiences or knowledge of worse situations. It conveys a sense of perspective and resilience, suggesting that the current situation or circumstance is manageable or relatively favorable compared to more extreme or difficult experiences the speaker has encountered before.
  • none the worse (for sth) The idiom "none the worse (for sth)" means that something or someone has not been negatively affected by a particular event, situation, or action. It indicates that despite the occurrence of that thing, there has been no harm or damage caused.
  • somebody’s bark is worse than their bite The idiom "somebody’s bark is worse than their bite" refers to someone who appears or sounds more intimidating or threatening than they actually are. It implies that while a person may talk or show aggression, they lack the ability or willingness to follow through with their threats or be as harmful as they seem.
  • One's bark is worse than bite The idiom "One's bark is worse than bite" means that someone's threats or aggressive behavior are more intimidating or frightening than their actual ability or willingness to carry out those threats. It suggests that a person may appear to be fierce or dangerous but is unlikely to follow through with their actions.
  • sb's bark is worse than their bite The idiom "sb's bark is worse than their bite" is used to describe someone who appears or sounds more aggressive or threatening than they actually are. It implies that while someone may talk or behave in a fierce or intimidating manner, their actual actions or abilities do not match up to their words. It suggests that the person is less dangerous or formidable than they may initially seem.
  • One's bark is worse than one's bite. The idiom "One's bark is worse than one's bite" means that someone may make threatening or aggressive statements but is actually less intimidating or harmful than they appear. It implies that despite their intimidating or aggressive nature, their actions or abilities do not match their words.
  • fate worse than death, a The idiom "a fate worse than death" refers to a situation or outcome that is considered even more undesirable or horrifying than dying. It implies that experiencing the fate or consequence being discussed would be so terrible that death itself would be preferable.
  • be none the worse The idiom "be none the worse" means to not be negatively affected or harmed by a particular event or experience. It suggests that despite facing a potentially adverse situation, one has emerged unscathed or without any detrimental consequences.
  • bark is worse than one's bite, one's The idiom "bark is worse than one's bite" means that a person's words or threats may sound intimidating or aggressive, but they do not follow through with any real action or harm. In essence, someone who is all talk and no action.
  • a change for the better/worse "A change for the better/worse" refers to a significant improvement or decline in a situation or circumstance. It suggests that something has improved or worsened significantly compared to how it was before.
  • all the better (or worse) All the better (or worse) is an expression used to indicate that a situation has improved or deteriorated, respectively. It is often used to emphasize the positive or negative aspects of a situation or outcome.
  • so much the better/worse "So much the better/worse" is an idiom used to express that a particular situation or outcome is either more favorable or less favorable than expected or initially perceived. It can be used to indicate that a situation has improved or worsened from a previous state.
  • a sight better, worse, etc. The idiom "a sight better, worse, etc." is used to emphasize that something is significantly better, worse, or different than something else. It conveys a sense of being more noticeable, significant, or extreme in comparison to something else.
  • take a turn for the better/worse The idiom "take a turn for the better/worse" means that a situation is either improving or worsening.

Similar spelling word for WORSE

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