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

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

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

  • Exacerbate
  • Aggravate
  • Worsen
  • Complicate
  • Intensify
  • Escalate
  • Amplify
  • Heighten
  • Increase
  • Magnify
  • Deteriorate
  • Inflame
  • Augment
  • Degenerate
  • Impair

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

1. Exacerbate

Used when something makes a bad situation or condition worse.
Example: “Miscommunication can often exacerbate conflicts within a team.”

2. Aggravate

Appropriate for situations where something becomes more serious or severe.
Example: “Constant delays can aggravate the budget constraints of the project.”

3. Worsen

Used to describe a decline in quality or condition.
Example: “The company’s financial situation worsened after the market crash.”

4. Complicate

Suitable for situations where something becomes more difficult or complex.
Example: “Changing regulations can complicate our compliance efforts.”

5. Intensify

Used when something increases in degree, strength, or severity.
Example: “The increased market competition has intensified the need for innovation.”

6. Escalate

Appropriate for situations where something is increasing or developing rapidly.
Example: “The dispute between the departments escalated quickly, requiring management intervention.”

7. Amplify

Used to describe making something greater or more intense.
Example: “The lack of clear communication can amplify misunderstandings.”

8. Heighten

Suitable for situations where the level or extent of something increases.
Example: “Risk factors heighten the chance of project failure.”

9. Increase

Used when something becomes greater in size, amount, or degree.
Example: “The increase in workload has made the team’s job more challenging.”

10. Magnify

Appropriate for making a problem or issue seem more significant or serious.
Example: “The media coverage magnified the company’s mistakes.”

11. Deteriorate

Used to describe a situation or condition becoming progressively worse.
Example: “Without proper maintenance, the quality of the equipment can deteriorate.”

12. Inflame

Suitable for situations where something is intensified or made more acute.
Example: “The controversial decision inflamed tensions within the organization.”

13. Augment

Used to describe something being made greater in size or value.
Example: “The new policy could inadvertently augment the existing challenges.”

14. Degenerate

Appropriate for situations where something deteriorates to a worse state.
Example: “The discussion degenerated into an unproductive argument.”

15. Impair

Used to describe something being weakened or damaged.
Example: “Poor decision-making can impair the company’s growth.”

Linda Brown