even worse
More bad
Use it to add a second, bigger problem to a situation that was already going poorly.
15秒でわかる
- Used to describe an additional problem in an already bad situation.
- Works in both casual chats and professional emails.
- Connects two negative points to show a downward trend.
意味
Use this when a situation is already bad, but a new problem makes it even more difficult or unpleasant. It highlights that things have moved from a low point to a lower point.
主な例文
3 / 6Complaining about weather
It was freezing outside, and even worse, I forgot my jacket.
It was freezing outside, and even worse, I forgot my jacket.
Discussing a broken car
The engine stopped, and even worse, the mechanic is closed today.
The engine stopped, and even worse, the mechanic is closed today.
A professional update
The software is lagging, and even worse, it keeps crashing during meetings.
The software is lagging, and even worse, it keeps crashing during meetings.
文化的背景
The phrase reflects a common trope in English-speaking cultures known as 'Murphy's Law'—the idea that if something can go wrong, it will. Using 'even worse' is a linguistic tool for building narrative 'stakes' in everyday conversation. It is often used with a sigh or a roll of the eyes to signal shared frustration.
The 'And' Connection
You almost always use 'and' before 'even worse' to link the two bad ideas together smoothly.
Don't use with 'More'
Never say 'even more worse.' The word 'worse' already means 'more bad,' so adding 'more' is a mistake.
15秒でわかる
- Used to describe an additional problem in an already bad situation.
- Works in both casual chats and professional emails.
- Connects two negative points to show a downward trend.
What It Means
Even worse is a way to compare two bad things. Imagine you are already having a terrible day. Then, something else happens that is more annoying or painful. This phrase connects those two points. It tells the listener that the situation has deteriorated further. It is like saying 'bad + more bad.'
How To Use It
You usually put this at the start of a sentence. You can also use it after a verb like is or gets. It works perfectly when you want to emphasize a surprise. For example, 'The food was cold, and even worse, it was expensive.' It acts as a bridge between two negative facts. You are basically building a ladder of problems.
When To Use It
Use it when you are complaining to friends about a bad date. Use it at work when a project deadline moves closer. It is great for storytelling to build tension. If you missed your bus, that is bad. If it starts raining while you wait, that is even worse. It helps people feel your frustration. It is a very common way to express empathy too.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for positive things. You cannot say 'The cake was good, and even worse, it was free.' That makes no sense! Also, avoid overusing it in very short conversations. If you use it for every small detail, you might sound like a person who complains too much. Keep it for the moments that truly add more trouble to your day.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to use 'understatement' or 'exaggeration' for humor. We often use even worse to be funny about our bad luck. It shows a sense of resilience. By naming the 'worse' thing, we are sharing the struggle. It is a very 'human' phrase that builds a connection through shared bad experiences. It has been a staple of English storytelling for centuries.
Common Variations
You might hear to make matters worse or what's worse. These mean the exact same thing. Sometimes people just say worse still. If you want to be very dramatic, you can say even more terrible. However, even worse is the most natural version. It is the 'Goldilocks' of phrases—not too formal, not too casual.
使い方のコツ
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any register from neutral to informal. Just remember to avoid the double comparative error 'even more worse'.
The 'And' Connection
You almost always use 'and' before 'even worse' to link the two bad ideas together smoothly.
Don't use with 'More'
Never say 'even more worse.' The word 'worse' already means 'more bad,' so adding 'more' is a mistake.
The Sarcastic Twist
Sometimes people say 'even worse' about something that isn't actually bad to be funny, like 'I won the lottery, but even worse, now I have to choose a car!'
例文
6It was freezing outside, and even worse, I forgot my jacket.
It was freezing outside, and even worse, I forgot my jacket.
The lack of a jacket makes the cold weather a bigger problem.
The engine stopped, and even worse, the mechanic is closed today.
The engine stopped, and even worse, the mechanic is closed today.
Adds a layer of helplessness to the situation.
The software is lagging, and even worse, it keeps crashing during meetings.
The software is lagging, and even worse, it keeps crashing during meetings.
Used here to report technical issues to a team.
He was late, and even worse, he didn't even apologize!
He was late, and even worse, he didn't even apologize!
Shows social frustration in a casual text.
I lost my phone, but even worse, I realized I have no one's number memorized.
I lost my phone, but even worse, I realized I have no one's number memorized.
Self-deprecating humor about modern technology dependence.
The budget was cut, and even worse, the timeline was shortened.
The budget was cut, and even worse, the timeline was shortened.
Highlights two negative impacts on a project.
自分をテスト
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a bad vacation.
The hotel room was tiny, and ___, the air conditioning didn't work.
Since a broken air conditioner is a second negative thing, 'even worse' is the correct choice.
Complete the professional complaint.
The shipment is late, and ___, some items are damaged.
Damaged items add to the problem of a late shipment, making the situation 'even worse'.
🎉 スコア： /2
ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'Even Worse'
Talking to siblings or close friends.
My pizza is cold, and even worse, they forgot the dip!
Standard daily use in most situations.
The train is delayed, and even worse, it's crowded.
Reporting issues to a manager.
The client is unhappy, and even worse, they might cancel.
When to say 'Even Worse'
Travel Troubles
Lost luggage + missed flight.
Bad Service
Wrong order + rude waiter.
Work Stress
Computer crash + lost file.
Social Fails
Forgot name + spilled drink.
よくある質問
10 問Yes, it is perfectly correct. It uses the comparative adjective worse with the intensifier even to show a higher degree of a negative quality.
Yes, but phrases like furthermore or to exacerbate the situation are sometimes preferred in very academic writing. For business reports, even worse is fine.
Worse just compares two things. Even worse emphasizes that the second thing is surprisingly or significantly more negative than the first.
Yes, much worse is very similar. However, even worse is better for adding a new piece of information to a story.
No, it is not slang. It is a standard English collocation used by people of all ages and backgrounds.
It usually goes between two clauses, like: 'The rain was heavy, and even worse, the roof leaked.'
Yes, you can say 'He is a bad singer, but his brother is even worse.' It compares their skills.
Yes! The positive version is even better. You use it when a good situation gets an extra benefit.
What's worse is just a slightly more conversational variation of even worse. They are interchangeable in most cases.
It is rare. Usually, you want the 'worse' thing to follow the phrase. For example: 'The news was bad, but the reality was even worse.'
関連フレーズ
to make matters worse
Adding a problem to a situation that is already difficult.
what's worse
Used to introduce a more serious or unpleasant fact.
adding insult to injury
Making a bad situation feel even more unfair or humiliating.
even better
The positive opposite; used when a good thing gets even better.
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