worse

Worse is the comparative form of the adjective bad and is used to indicate that something is of lower quality, more harmful, or more undesirable than something else. It can function as an adjective or, in some contexts, as an adverb.

Originating in Old English, worse has long served as the standard comparative of bad in the Germanic language family; the corresponding superlative is worst.

Grammar and usage: Do not say "more worse" or "most worse" in standard English. Use "worse" with "than" to compare two items ("This outcome is worse than last year") and the superlative "the worst" for the highest degree ("the worst day"). As an adverb, "worse" can modify a verb or adjective ("The project went worse than expected"). Common expressions include "to make matters worse," "the worse for wear," and the idiom "If worse comes to worst."

Semantic notes: Worse expresses relative decline rather than an absolute measure and is used across health, performance, and situations; its meaning depends on the reference point.