How to pronounce worsen
Say it like WUR-sun. Worsen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce worsen. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WUR
- sun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Worsen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- sunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of worsen
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WUR-sun.
What does worsen mean?
- To make worse; to impair.“Global warming has worsened the weather.”
- To become worse; to get worse.“The weather has worsened.”
Where does worsen come from?
From Middle English wursnen; equivalent to worse + -en.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with worsen
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of worsen.
Questions about saying worsen
How do you pronounce worsen?
Say WUR-sun. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɝsən/. In British English it is /ˈwɜːsən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in worsen?
Worsen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WUR). Broken into parts: WUR · sun.
Is worsen pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈwɜːsən/ (WUR-sun).