worse (wûrs)
adj. Comparative of bad¹., ill.

1. More inferior, as in quality, condition, or effect.
2. More severe or unfavorable.
3. Being further from a standard; less desirable or satisfactory.
4. Being in poorer health; more ill.

n.
Something that is worse: Of the two routes, the eastern one is the worse. She was accused of cheating on exams, lying, and worse.

adv. Comparative of badly., ill.
In a worse manner; to a worse degree.

idiom:

for better or (for) worse

1. Whether the situation or consequences be good or ill: For better or worse, he trusts everyone.

[Middle English, from Old English wyrsa.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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