verslechterd

Verslechterd is a Dutch adjective and the past participle of the verb verslechteren, meaning to become worse or to deteriorate. It describes something that has declined in quality, condition, or health. In use it can refer to tangible states (a deteriorated condition) or more abstract concepts (a deteriorated situation).

Usage and forms:

As a predicative participle, verslechterd appears after a linking verb: De toestand is verslechterd. In attributive position before a noun, the form is verslechterde: een verslechterde toestand, verslechterde omstandigheden. In plural, attributive forms become verslechterde toestanden. The present participle verslechterende is used to describe ongoing deterioration: verslechterende gezondheid, verslechterende situatie.

Etymology and meaning:

The word comes from verslechteren, with the prefix ver- indicating a change or reversal and slecht meaning bad. Combined, they convey “to become worse” or “to deteriorate.” The term is commonly used in everyday Dutch as well as formal writing.

Synonyms and antonyms:

Synonyms include achteruitgaan, verslechteren in a verb sense, and in adjective use, verslechtering can be described by phrases such as verslechterde gezondheid. Antonyms include verbeteren and opknappen, which denote improvement or recovery.

Contexts:

Verslechterd is used across domains such as health, economy, infrastructure, and living conditions. It often appears in reports, news, and analysis to signal a decline from a previous state, whereas the present participle verslechterende emphasizes the ongoing process of decline.