What Is Another Way to Say “To Make Matters Worse”?

Looking for synonyms for to make matters worse? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say to make matters worse.

  • To compound the problem
  • To exacerbate the situation
  • To add insult to injury
  • To aggravate the issue
  • To worsen the scenario
  • To intensify the problem
  • To amplify the difficulty
  • To heighten the crisis
  • To increase the trouble
  • To escalate the situation
  • To inflame the matter
  • To magnify the problem
  • To augment the challenge
  • To complicate things further
  • To add fuel to the fire

Want to learn how to say to make matters worse professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. To Compound the Problem

Appropriate Use: Used when an action or event makes an already difficult situation even worse.
Example: The unexpected resignation of the team leader served to compound the problem.

2. To Exacerbate the Situation

Appropriate Use: Used when something increases the severity or bitterness of a problematic situation.
Example: The delay in the supply chain only served to exacerbate the situation for the company.

3. To Add Insult to Injury

Appropriate Use: Used when an action or occurrence makes a bad situation even worse, often in a way that is humiliating or unfair.
Example: To add insult to injury, the competitor launched a similar product just days before ours.

4. To Aggravate the Issue

Appropriate Use: Used when something makes an existing problem worse.
Example: The software bug not only caused data loss but also aggravated the issue by corrupting files.

5. To Worsen the Scenario

Appropriate Use: Used when a new development or problem makes a situation more difficult or unpleasant.
Example: The sudden market crash only served to worsen the scenario for the new investors.

6. To Intensify the Problem

Appropriate Use: Used when an action or event increases the seriousness of a problem.
Example: The lack of clear communication served to intensify the problem within the team.

7. To Amplify the Difficulty

Appropriate Use: Used when something increases the difficulty or complexity of a situation.
Example: The changing regulations only served to amplify the difficulty in achieving compliance.

8. To Heighten the Crisis

Appropriate Use: Used when an action or event increases the intensity or seriousness of a crisis.
Example: The cyber attack heightened the crisis, putting sensitive customer data at risk.

9. To Increase the Trouble

Appropriate Use: Used when something adds to the amount or degree of trouble already existing.
Example: The unforeseen technical glitch served to increase the trouble during the product launch.

10. To Escalate the Situation

Appropriate Use: Used when an action or event causes a situation to become more intense or serious.
Example: Miscommunication between departments only served to escalate the situation.

11. To Inflame the Matter

Appropriate Use: Used when something exacerbates a situation or problem, often making it more heated or angry.
Example: The leaked confidential report only served to inflame the matter.

12. To Magnify the Problem

Appropriate Use: Used when something makes a problem appear bigger or more serious.
Example: The sudden withdrawal of the investor magnified the problem of funding.

13. To Augment the Challenge

Appropriate Use: Used when something increases or adds to the challenges being faced.
Example: The evolving market trends only served to augment the challenge for traditional businesses.

14. To Complicate Things Further

Appropriate Use: Used when an action or event adds complexity to an already difficult situation.
Example: The new government regulations only served to complicate things further for the merger.

15. To Add Fuel to the Fire

Appropriate Use: Used when an action or event worsens an already volatile or problematic situation.
Example: The public criticism from the CEO only added fuel to the fire amidst the internal conflicts.

Linda Brown