getting progressively worse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting progressively worse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe a situation that is becoming increasingly unfavorable or difficult. For example, "The company's financial situation has been getting progressively worse since the beginning of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The Metro took a decidedly critical stance, with its reviews getting progressively worse as the series progressed; first describing it as "comforting but could have been so much better", then later quipping that "Scott & Bailey will never be compelling TV", and that the programme is "a mediocre crime drama amidst a saturated market of mediocre crime dramas".

Wikipedia

"This problem is getting progressively worse.

The Guardian

"But I think it's getting progressively worse".

The New York Times

"It's definitely been getting progressively worse," Ms. DiNatale said.

The New York Times

Conditions in the camp are getting progressively worse".

The Guardian

The flooding was getting progressively worse since last summer, so the board decided to close shop.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It got progressively worse".

The New York Times - Sports

Wolford got progressively worse.

The Washington Post

"It got progressively worse," he said.

The New York Times

"The hazing got progressively worse," Ms. Howard said.

The New York Times

In fact, she got progressively worse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a trend, ensure that "getting progressively worse" is followed by specific details illustrating the decline. This adds credibility and clarity to your statement.

Common error

While "getting progressively worse" is acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can sound simplistic. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "deteriorating steadily" or "declining continuously" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting progressively worse" functions as a predicate describing a continuous negative change. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe how something deteriorates over a period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting progressively worse" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a deteriorating situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use across various contexts. While prevalent in News & Media and acceptable in general writing, more formal settings might call for alternatives like "deteriorating steadily" or "declining continuously". Remember to provide specific details when using "getting progressively worse" to enhance clarity and credibility. Avoiding overuse in formal writing and being mindful of context will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorating steadily

This alternative uses "deteriorating" to emphasize the decline, and "steadily" suggests a consistent rate of worsening.

becoming increasingly bad

This alternative replaces "progressively worse" with "increasingly bad", focusing on the growing negativity.

worsening gradually

This alternative uses "gradually" to highlight the step-by-step nature of the decline, similar to "progressively".

declining continuously

This alternative emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the decline with "continuously".

spiraling downward

This alternative uses a more figurative expression to describe a rapid and negative progression.

on a downward trend

This alternative uses a more abstract term for a continuous change of bad events.

taking a turn for the worse

This alternative highlights a specific point where a situation starts to decline.

going from bad to worse

This alternative expresses a worsening situation in a more direct and common way.

exacerbating over time

This alternative emphasizes the increasing severity of a situation over a period.

morphing into chaos

This alternative is a more dramatic way of describing something becoming worse, implying disorder.

FAQs

How can I use "getting progressively worse" in a sentence?

You can use "getting progressively worse" to describe a situation, condition, or trend that is deteriorating over time. For example, "The patient's health was "getting progressively worse" despite treatment".

What are some alternatives to "getting progressively worse"?

Some alternatives include "deteriorating steadily", "becoming increasingly bad", or "worsening gradually". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

Is it appropriate to use "getting progressively worse" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "getting progressively worse" might sound too informal for academic or professional contexts. Using a more sophisticated synonym, such as "declining continuously", can enhance the formality of your writing.

What's the difference between "getting progressively worse" and "taking a turn for the worse"?

"Getting progressively worse" describes a gradual decline over time, while "taking a turn for the worse" suggests a specific point at which a situation begins to deteriorate. The former implies a continuous process, whereas the latter indicates a change in direction.