make matters worse

/meɪk ˈmætərz wɜːrs/
phrase★Intermediate
◆ What It Really Means
To cause a situation to become more difficult or problematic than it already is.
Literal Meaning
To physically or literally cause things to become worse in quality or condition.
Literal Breakdown
maketo create or cause+mattersthings or issues+worseof lower quality or condition
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of a situation deteriorating further due to an additional negative action or event.
◈ When to Use
During a team meeting, a manager's harsh criticism made matters worse by demoralizing the already stressed employees.
◉ Cultural Note
This phrase is widely used in English to describe the negative impact of actions or events on existing problems.
informal

To cause a situation to become more difficult, problematic, or unpleasant than it already is.

The rain made matters worse by causing flooding in the already damaged area.

His rude comments made matters worse during the tense negotiation.

💡

This phrase is often used to emphasize that an action or event has exacerbated an existing problem.

Synonyms

Antonyms

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'make matters worse' when you want to emphasize that a situation has become more difficult due to an additional negative factor.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the verb 'make' with the noun phrase 'matters worse' to convey the idea of worsening a situation.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe actions or events that worsen an already difficult situation.

Word Breakdown

make
to cause or create
verb
+
matters
situations or issues
noun
+
worse
more difficult or unpleasant
adjective
English Dictionary