German word

verschlechtern

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʃlɛçtɐn/

Meaning

  • verbworsen

Example

Seine Entscheidung verschlechterte die Lage.

His decision worsened the situation.

Illustration for verschlechtern (worsen)

More examples

Fehlende Investitionen verschlechtern die wirtschaftliche Lage des Landes.

Lack of investment is worsening the country's economic situation.

Core concept

A condition is pushed from its current state toward poorer quality or results.

Common phrases

  • die wirtschaftliche Lage verschlechtern

    worsen the economic situation

  • die Situation verschlechtern

    worsen the situation

  • das Klima verschlechtern

    worsen the climate

Similar words

sich verschlechtern: Gradually decline because of changing circumstances or conditions.
schlimmer werden: Change toward a worse state as time passes.
verschlimmern: Increase the seriousness or harm of a situation.

Definition in German

Bewirken, dass etwas schlechter wird.

Word origin

Verschlechtern combines schlecht, meaning bad, with the verb-forming suffix -ern and the prefix ver-, which marks a resulting change.

Usage tips

  • As a transitive verb, verschlechtern normally takes an accusative object, while sich verschlechtern describes decline in the subject itself.

Other meanings

  • deteriorateverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word