adj.
- of poorer quality or lower standard.
▸more serious, severe, or evil.
- more ill or unhappy.
adv.
- less well.
- more seriously or severely.
n.
a worse event or circumstance.
▸
(the worse)
a worse condition.
Phrase
- none the worse for
not adversely affected by. - or worse
or as an even worse unspecified alternative. - the worse for drink
rather drunk. - the worse for wear
informal - worn.
- feeling rather unwell, especially as a result of drinking too much alcohol.
- worse off
less fortunate or prosperous.
Etymology
OE wyrsa, wiersa (adj.), wiers (adv.), of Gmc origin; rel. to war.