is worsened by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is worsened by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a situation or condition is made worse by a specific factor or influence. Example: "The patient's condition is worsened by the lack of access to proper medical care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ganyiel's isolation is worsened by constant flooding.

The Guardian

This physical inactivity is worsened by a less balanced diet.

The Guardian

If America is an essential "tough place," this is worsened by the easy availability of guns.

The New York Times

It is worsened by managers who disguise the size of cost increases that missions incur.

The New York Times

The situation is worsened by the apparent inability of government to tax these tech giants.

The Guardian - Opinion

Poor sleep in epilepsy is multifactorial and is worsened by poorly controlled seizures.

Seminars in Pediatric Neurology

The gain occurs at the expense of the bondholders, whose real economic position is worsened by the change.

Britannica

Dysphagia appears early, occurs with both liquids and solids, and is worsened by emotional stress and hurried eating.

Nature

The situation is worsened by the large debts families have burdened themselves with during a period of easy credit.

The Guardian

A third major global problem is interlinked – climate change that is worsened by food production, waste and transportation.

The Guardian

The problem is worsened by the slowdown in attendance growth and a decline in the size of trade shows.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is worsened by", ensure that the subject and the cause are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The situation is worsened", specify "The economic crisis is worsened by rising unemployment rates."

Common error

Avoid attributing the worsening condition to a symptom rather than the root cause. For example, stating "The fever is worsened by sweating" is inaccurate; instead, identify the underlying infection or illness causing both the fever and its subsequent effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is worsened by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject's state is negatively affected by a specific cause or condition. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase links a problem to its aggravating factor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is worsened by" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a condition or situation is made more negative by a particular factor. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various domains. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signifying its versatility. Alternatives like "is aggravated by" or "is exacerbated by" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, and can provide the specific impact of the worsening factor. When using "is worsened by", clarity is key: ensure the subject and cause are well-defined to maintain precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is made worse by

This is a more direct and straightforward way of saying that something is becoming more negative.

is aggravated by

This alternative suggests an increase in the severity or intensity of something negative, focusing on the act of making it worse.

is exacerbated by

This emphasizes the act of making an already bad situation even worse, highlighting the increasing level of negativity.

is compounded by

This suggests that something is added to an existing problem, making it more complex and difficult to solve.

is intensified by

This highlights an increase in the intensity or strength of a negative condition or feeling.

is amplified by

This suggests that the effect of something is increased significantly, often beyond what would normally be expected.

is complicated by

This emphasizes the increased difficulty or intricacy resulting from a particular factor.

deteriorates due to

This suggests a decline or worsening of a condition as a direct result of a specific cause.

suffers from

This phrase emphasizes the negative impact on something, indicating that it is experiencing adverse effects.

is undermined by

This emphasizes the weakening or damaging effect of a factor on something, rather than a direct worsening.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is worsened by" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is exacerbated by" or "is compounded by", which add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

What's a simpler way to say "is worsened by"?

If you want a simpler alternative, try "is made worse by". It's direct and easy to understand.

Is there a difference between "is worsened by" and "is aggravated by"?

While similar, "is aggravated by" often implies an irritant or something that makes a condition more actively troublesome, whereas "is worsened by" is a more general term for something that makes a condition deteriorate.

When is it appropriate to use "is worsened by" in a sentence?

Use "is worsened by" when you want to indicate that a specific factor is contributing to the decline or deterioration of a situation, condition, or problem. For example, "The traffic congestion "is worsened by" the road construction."