worsened over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worsened over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has deteriorated gradually as time has passed. Example: "The patient's health has worsened over time, leading to more serious complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Italy and Germany have the smallest regional spread, yet incomes in their most affluent areas are still almost three times those of the poorest.In this section Internal affairs Network effects Yale may not have the key Alienated From Tripoli to Mayfair Held in reserve The referee's an anchor ReprintsIn several places regional disparities have worsened over time.

The Economist

Our study addressed our first hypothesis, i.e., time-trends in post-TKA function and pain outcomes, which contrary to our expectation, actually worsened over time.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

But his pain worsened over time, he said, and he began to miss days.

The New York Times

Ms. Gill had testified that her bruising and swelling worsened over time.

The New York Times

The conditions of the free peasantry worsened over time, their growing obligations tending increasingly toward serfdom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But many mustard gas victims survived, developing ailments that worsened over time and often led to death.

The New York Times

Gillard spoke to Cottle in some depth about the sexist attacks she weathered while serving as prime minister from 2010 to 2013, saying that she was surprised they worsened over time.

The Guardian

She did not just deal with this lifelong disability, which worsened over time, she used it to propel herself and others forward--always with vigor, grace, dignity, a rapier wit and wicked sense of humor.

The New York Times

The Congress Party's heir apparent, Rahul Gandhi — whose father, Rajiv, complained as prime minister 20 years ago that just a fraction of antipoverty funds actually made it into the hands of the poor — said recently that these problems have only worsened over time.

The New York Times

The pain hypersensitive behaviors worsened over time and with bone destruction.

Neuroscience

However, the housing crisis situation has worsened over time and resulted in further slum growth.

Habitat International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worsened over time", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect or condition has deteriorated. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "worsened over time" as a general statement without specifying what exactly has worsened. Always provide specific details to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worsened over time" functions as a verb phrase with an adverbial modifier, indicating that a condition or situation has deteriorated progressively. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is commonly used to describe a decline over a period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "worsened over time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a decline or deterioration over a period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to specify what aspect has worsened to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "deteriorated with time" or "declined over the years" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorated with time

Focuses on the process of decay or degradation as time progresses.

declined over the years

Specifically indicates a downward trend occurring across multiple years.

degenerated as time went on

Emphasizes a loss of quality or function over a period.

eroded over a period

Suggests a gradual wearing away or diminishing effect.

regressed through the years

Highlights a return to a previous, less developed state.

slipped with each passing year

Implies a gradual decline in a less formal or technical way.

faded as time elapsed

Focuses on a loss of vibrancy or intensity as time goes by.

suffered gradual decay

Highlights the negative effect of decay accumulating over time.

went downhill over the long run

An idiomatic expression indicating a consistent decline over a prolonged period.

lost ground as time unfolded

Indicates a decrease in progress or advantage over time.

FAQs

How can I use "worsened over time" in a sentence?

You can use "worsened over time" to describe situations, conditions, or phenomena that have deteriorated as time passed. For example, "The patient's condition "worsened over time" despite medical intervention."

What are some alternatives to "worsened over time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "deteriorated with time", "declined over the years", or "degenerated as time went on", which convey similar meanings of decline or degradation.

Is it more appropriate to say "got worse over time" or "worsened over time"?

"Worsened over time" is generally considered more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing, while "got worse over time" is more informal and appropriate for casual conversation or less formal contexts. Both phrases convey the same basic meaning.

What is the difference between "worsened over time" and "exacerbated over time"?

"Worsened over time" simply indicates that something has become worse as time passes. "Exacerbated over time" implies that something has not only become worse but has also been made more severe or intense by some additional factor or influence. The second carries the extra sense of causation or influence.