Phrase guide

make matters worse

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To worsen an already difficult situation or unfavourable set of circumstances, typically by acting rashly, foolishly, or incompetently.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • His resentful attitude only made matters worse during the custody proceedings.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: pahentaa tilannetta — worsen an already difficult situation
  • French: aggraver la situation — worsen an already difficult situation
  • Polish: pogarszać sprawę — worsen an already difficult situation
  • Polish: pogorszyć sprawę — worsen an already difficult situation
  • Spanish: para más inri — worsen an already difficult situation
  • Spanish: para colmo — worsen an already difficult situation
  • Swedish: till råga på allt — worsen an already difficult situation