progressively worsen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressively worsen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is deteriorating gradually over time. Example: "The patient's condition began to progressively worsen despite the treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

As the Lewy body pathology disease progresses, generalised cognitive impairment and dementia progressively worsen, although a fluctuating pattern with intervals of lucidity often persists.

Independent

But the behaviour of those in the second group will progressively worsen the older they get.

Independent

Monitoring, including keeping track of fluid balance, respiratory function, and oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry is also required as the patient's condition may progressively worsen.

Wikipedia

Nearly all Cavaliers eventually suffer from disease of the mitral valve, with heart murmurs which may progressively worsen, leading to heart failure.

Wikipedia

Now, keep in mind my baseline for the first 29 years of my life was excellent, but when you live with a disease that can progressively worsen you don't want to see any kind of decline.

Huffington Post

While hyperglycemia increased in Ins2Akita/+ mice between P36 and P56, symptoms of DPN did not progressively worsen over time.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

By this time point, animals also showed progressively worsening sleep abnormalities (Kudo et al. 2011) and progressive reduction in stool frequency (Wang et al. 2012).

Environmental Health Perspectives

They are ruthless, greedy, stupid people who get themselves into a progressively worsening, violent mess.

The Guardian - Film

And doctors caution that for the foreseeable future, diabetes will remain a progressively worsening disease that can cause devastating complications.

The New York Times

Since then, fighting has progressively worsened, suggesting the picture could be even grimmer.

The New York Times

But Alzheimer's can go on for years or decades, progressively worsening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progressively worsen" to describe conditions or situations that are deteriorating gradually over time. Ensure the context clearly indicates the entity experiencing the decline and the nature of the decline.

Common error

Avoid using additional adverbs that reiterate the progressive nature already implied in "progressively worsen". For example, "very progressively worsen" is redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressively worsen" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a gradual deterioration or decline over time. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation that deteriorates gradually. It is frequently used to describe negative changes in health, conditions or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "progressively worsen" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to depict the gradual decline of a condition or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to emphasize an ongoing deterioration. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid redundancy by refraining from using additional adverbs. Alternatives such as "steadily deteriorate" or "gradually decline" can be employed to express similar meanings. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure the progressive nature of the decline is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steadily deteriorate

Focuses on a consistent and gradual decline without necessarily implying severity.

gradually decline

Emphasizes the slowness and continuity of the decline.

increasingly degrade

Highlights the growing intensity of the degradation process.

continuously decline

Stresses the uninterrupted nature of the decline.

deteriorate over time

Points out the temporal aspect of the worsening condition.

decline bit by bit

Emphasizes the small increments of the worsening process.

go from bad to worse

Indicates a progression from an already negative state to an even worse one.

take a turn for the worse

Suggests a distinct shift towards a worsening condition.

descend into decline

Implies a downward trajectory or a fall into a state of decline.

ebb away

Evokes a gentle, gradual decline, often used in the context of health or strength.

FAQs

How can I use "progressively worsen" in a sentence?

Use "progressively worsen" to describe a gradual decline or deterioration. For example: "The patient's condition began to "progressively worsen" despite treatment."

What are some alternatives to "progressively worsen"?

Alternatives include "steadily deteriorate", "gradually decline", or "increasingly degrade" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "very progressively worsen"?

No, "very progressively worsen" is redundant because "progressively" already implies a gradual increase. It's better to simply use "progressively worsen".

What's the difference between "progressively worsen" and "suddenly worsen"?

"Progressively worsen" indicates a gradual decline over time, while "suddenly worsen" implies an abrupt and unexpected deterioration. The former is a gradual process, the latter is immediate.