Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

make matters worse

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.48 in modern English

Syllables: make -mat-ter-s -worse
IPA

27

Scrabble Score

16

Letters

5

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To worsen an already difficult situation or unfavourable set of circumstances, typically by acting rashly, foolishly, or incompetently.

Example Sentences

"His resentful attitude only made matters worse during the custody proceedings."
"The mistake came about when there seemed to be little danger as Dicko swung in an innocuous cross, but the keeper somehow spilled the ball for Henry to head into an empty net. To make matters worse his error came in front of Gordon Strachan, the Scotland manager."

Inflected Forms

makes matters worse (present, singular) making matters worse (participle, present) made matters worse (participle, past) made matters worse (past)

Synonyms

add fuel to the fire add insult to injury cap it all off fan the flames make matters worse throw gasoline on the fire With malice hit someone when they are down kick a dog when it's down kick someone when they are down punch down put the boot in

Antonyms

improve pour oil on troubled waters repair

Questions

What does make matters worse mean?: To worsen an already difficult situation or unfavourable set of circumstances, typically by acting rashly, foolishly, or incompetently.

How to pronounce make matters worse

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