getting worse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting worse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is deteriorating or declining in quality or severity. Example: "The weather has been getting worse as the storm approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it's getting worse.

The New York Times

It's getting worse".

The New York Times

"And it's getting worse".

The New York Times

"It's only getting worse.

The New Yorker

Traffic is getting worse.

The Guardian - Tech

Is cheating getting worse?

The New York Times

Inequality was getting worse.

The New York Times

And getting worse.

The New York Times - Sports

He was getting worse.

The New Yorker

"Actually, it's getting worse".

The New York Times

It is getting worse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting worse", consider the context to determine if a more specific term, such as "deteriorating" or "declining", would provide greater clarity.

Common error

While "getting worse" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for synonyms like "deteriorating" or "worsening" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting worse" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject by describing its state of deterioration. Ludwig examples show it used with various subjects to indicate a decline in condition or quality. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting worse" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a deteriorating situation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability. While frequently found in news and media, alternative phrases like "deteriorating" or "worsening" might be preferable in more formal contexts. When employing "getting worse", consider your audience and the desired level of formality to ensure effective communication. This analysis, enriched by examples from Ludwig, provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage and potential alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorating

Single word replacement for "getting worse".

worsening

Single word replacement for "getting worse".

declining

Focuses on a gradual decrease in quality or condition.

regressing

Implies a return to a previous, less developed state.

going downhill

Idiomatic expression indicating a rapid decline.

on the decline

Highlights the state of deterioration or descent.

taking a turn for the worse

Emphasizes a sudden and negative change in condition.

spiraling downward

Suggests an accelerating and uncontrolled decline.

heading south

Informal expression implying a negative direction or outcome.

not improving

Describes a lack of progress or positive change.

FAQs

What are some single-word alternatives for "getting worse"?

Consider using "deteriorating" or "worsening" as concise substitutes for "getting worse".

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

You can use "getting worse" to describe situations that are deteriorating over time, such as "The weather is getting worse" or "His health is getting worse".

When is it appropriate to use "getting worse" in writing?

It's appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider more sophisticated synonyms such as "declining" or "regressing".

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

"Getting worse" indicates a gradual decline, while "taking a turn for the worse" implies a sudden, negative change.