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A2 verb #7,000 most common 12 min read

empeorar

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips empeorar in 30 Seconds

Explanation empeorar in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic expression of change. While 'empeorar' might be a bit advanced for the very first weeks of Spanish study, it is introduced early because of its relationship with 'peor' (worse). A1 students learn to recognize the word in simple contexts like the weather or basic health. The primary goal at this level is to understand that 'empeorar' means 'to get worse'. Students might not yet conjugate it perfectly in all tenses, but they should be able to use it in the present tense or with 'ir a + infinitive'. For example, 'El tiempo va a empeorar'. This allows the student to communicate basic negative trends. The focus is on the intransitive use, where the subject is simply something that is becoming worse. Teachers often introduce it alongside 'mejorar' (to improve) to show the contrast. A1 learners should focus on the 'e-m-p-e-o-r-a-r' spelling and its pronunciation, ensuring they don't confuse it with 'peor' which is the adjective. By the end of A1, a student should be able to understand a sentence like 'Mi gato está enfermo y puede empeorar' (My cat is sick and might get worse). This level of understanding provides the groundwork for more complex grammatical structures involving the verb in later stages of learning.

At the A2 level, 'empeorar' becomes a core part of the student's vocabulary for describing daily life and personal experiences. Students at this stage are expected to conjugate 'empeorar' in the present, past (pretérito indefinido and pretérito imperfecto), and future tenses. They begin to use the verb to describe more varied situations, such as their performance in a class, the state of their car, or the quality of food at a restaurant. A2 learners start to see the transitive use of the verb—how one thing can make another thing worse. For example, 'La lluvia empeoró el tráfico'. This level also introduces the concept of using adverbs to modify the verb, like 'empeorar un poco' (to get a little worse) or 'empeorar mucho' (to get a lot worse). The focus shifts from mere recognition to active production in conversation. Students are encouraged to use 'empeorar' instead of simpler phrases like 'ser más malo'. This makes their Spanish sound more natural and less like a direct translation from English. A2 is also where students might first encounter the verb in reading materials like simple news articles or short stories, where it is used to describe the plot's development. Mastery at this level means being able to describe a negative change in a clear, grammatically correct way using the most common tenses.

At the B1 level, the use of 'empeorar' expands into more abstract and hypothetical contexts. Students begin to use the subjunctive mood with 'empeorar' to express desires, fears, and doubts. For instance, 'Tengo miedo de que la situación empeore' (I am afraid the situation might get worse). This is a significant jump in complexity, as it requires the student to understand the emotional weight the verb can carry. B1 learners also start to encounter the word in more formal contexts, such as work emails or academic texts. They learn to distinguish 'empeorar' from its synonyms like 'agravar' or 'deteriorar', choosing the right word based on the specific context. The transitive use becomes more frequent as students discuss cause and effect in more detail. For example, 'Las nuevas leyes podrían empeorar la situación de los trabajadores'. At this stage, students are also expected to use the verb in compound tenses, like the present perfect ('ha empeorado'). They can describe trends over time with more nuance, using phrases like 'ha ido empeorando' (it has been getting worse). B1 learners are moving toward fluency, and 'empeorar' is a key tool for expressing critical thinking and analysis of the world around them. They can participate in debates about social issues where 'empeorar' is frequently used to describe the consequences of certain actions.

At the B2 level, 'empeorar' is used with high frequency and precision in both formal and informal registers. Students can handle complex sentence structures, such as using the verb in the conditional or past subjunctive to discuss hypothetical scenarios: 'Si no hubiéramos intervenido, el problema habría empeorado'. B2 learners are sensitive to the stylistic nuances of the verb. They understand how it fits into journalistic writing and can use it to summarize complex events. They are also familiar with idiomatic expressions that involve the concept of worsening, like 'ir de mal en peor'. At this level, the distinction between 'empeorar' and more technical terms like 'exacerbar' (to exacerbate) or 'recrudecer' (to worsen/intensify) becomes clear. B2 students can use 'empeorar' transitively with abstract objects, such as 'empeorar la reputación' or 'empeorar el clima laboral'. Their ability to use the verb in the passive voice or impersonal 'se' constructions is well-developed. They can read complex literature or listen to fast-paced news broadcasts and immediately grasp the implications when 'empeorar' is used. This level of proficiency allows the student to use the verb not just for communication, but for persuasion and detailed description, making it a powerful part of their linguistic repertoire.

At the C1 level, the learner uses 'empeorar' with the same ease and subtlety as a native speaker. They are aware of the word's etymology and its place within the broader family of words related to 'peor'. C1 students can use 'empeorar' in highly specialized contexts, such as legal, medical, or technical Spanish, and they understand the specific connotations it carries in each. They can play with the verb in creative writing, using it to set a mood or foreshadow events. The use of 'empeorar' in complex rhetorical structures, such as irony or litotes, is common. For example, a C1 speaker might say 'La situación no ha hecho más que empeorar' to emphasize a total lack of improvement. They are also adept at using the noun form 'empeoramiento' and the adjective 'peor' in conjunction with the verb to create rich, varied prose. At this level, the learner can identify the regional differences in how 'empeorar' might be used or substituted in different parts of the Spanish-speaking world. They can engage in deep philosophical or political discussions where the concept of decline is explored, using 'empeorar' to describe systemic issues or historical trends. The verb is no longer just a word; it is a versatile instrument used to convey deep meaning and precise observation.

At the C2 level, 'empeorar' is fully integrated into the speaker's mastery of the Spanish language. The speaker can use the verb in any context, from the most formal academic dissertation to the most informal street slang, knowing exactly when it is appropriate and when a synonym would be better. They can appreciate the use of 'empeorar' in classical Spanish literature and understand how its usage has evolved over centuries. C2 speakers can use the verb to express the finest shades of meaning, often pairing it with rare adverbs or placing it in sophisticated syntactic structures that reflect a deep understanding of Spanish grammar and style. They can effortlessly switch between the transitive and intransitive forms to shift focus or emphasis in a narrative. Furthermore, a C2 speaker can analyze the use of 'empeorar' in political discourse, identifying how it is used to frame arguments or influence public opinion. They have a complete command of all idioms and proverbs involving the verb and can use them with perfect timing and cultural relevance. For a C2 learner, 'empeorar' is a simple yet powerful tool that they can wield with total precision, reflecting their status as a near-native or highly proficient user of the language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

empeorar in 30 Seconds

Empeorar is a regular -ar verb meaning 'to worsen' or 'to get worse', serving as the direct antonym of the verb 'mejorar'.
It can be used intransitively (the subject gets worse) or transitively (the subject makes something else worse), offering great flexibility.
Common contexts for its use include discussing health conditions, weather forecasts, economic trends, and interpersonal conflicts or social issues.
At the A2 level, it is essential for describing negative changes and avoids the need for awkward literal translations like 'conseguir peor'.

The Spanish verb empeorar is a fundamental term used to describe a decline in quality, condition, or status. At its core, it is the direct opposite of mejorar (to improve). Whether you are discussing a patient's health, the fluctuating state of the global economy, or the darkening clouds of an approaching storm, empeorar serves as the linguistic vehicle to convey that things are getting worse. It is a regular -ar verb, making it relatively straightforward for students at the A2 level to conjugate and integrate into their daily vocabulary. The word is built upon the comparative adjective peor (worse), which provides a clear mental anchor for learners: if peor is worse, then empeorar is the act of becoming or making something worse.

Health and Wellness: In medical contexts, this verb is essential for describing symptoms that intensify or a general decline in a patient's stability. Doctors and nurses frequently use it to monitor progress.

Si no descansas, tu resfriado podría empeorar considerablemente.

Environmental Conditions: Meteorologists and everyday people use this verb to talk about the weather. If a light drizzle turns into a torrential downpour, the weather has 'empeorado'.

El clima parece empeorar cada vez que intentamos ir a la playa.

Economic and Social Situations: In news reports and political discussions, empeorar is used to describe rising inflation, increasing unemployment, or deteriorating diplomatic relations between nations.

La crisis económica ha hecho que la calidad de vida empeore en la región.

Understanding the nuances of empeorar allows learners to express frustration or concern about a variety of negative changes. It is a word that carries weight, often signaling a need for intervention or a shift in strategy. In conversational Spanish, it is often paired with adverbs like 'drásticamente' (drastically) or 'paulatinamente' (gradually) to provide more detail about the speed of the decline. Because it is so versatile, mastering its use is a significant milestone in moving from basic survival Spanish to more descriptive and expressive communication. Whether you are reading a novel where the protagonist's luck begins to empeorar or listening to a news broadcast about the environment, this verb is everywhere.

No quiero empeorar las cosas, pero tenemos un problema grave.

La situación de tráfico suele empeorar durante las horas pico.

Using empeorar correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As a regular verb ending in -ar, it follows the standard conjugation patterns for all tenses. However, its application depends on whether the subject is actively making something worse or if the subject is the thing that is becoming worse itself. This distinction between transitive and intransitive usage is key to sounding natural in Spanish. When used intransitively, the subject is the thing undergoing the negative change. For example, 'The situation worsened' translates to 'La situación empeoró'. When used transitively, an object is involved: 'He worsened the situation' translates to 'Él empeoró la situación'. This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for learners.

Intransitive Usage (To Become Worse): This is the most common use. The subject is the thing that is declining in quality or condition without an external agent being explicitly blamed for the action.

Su salud empeoró durante la noche y tuvimos que llamar al médico.

Transitive Usage (To Make Worse): In this case, an agent (person, event, or thing) causes the decline of something else. It is often used when discussing mistakes or poor decisions.

Tus comentarios solo van a empeorar el conflicto entre ellos.

Using with the Subjunctive: When expressing fear, doubt, or hope that something doesn't get worse, the subjunctive mood is required. This adds a layer of emotional complexity to your sentences.

Espero que el tiempo no empeore antes de que lleguemos a casa.

Advanced learners should also be aware of the passive voice or the 'se' impersonal constructions. For instance, 'Se espera que la situación empeore' (It is expected that the situation will worsen). In this context, the verb remains active, but the construction gives it a more formal, journalistic tone. Additionally, empeorar can be modified by various temporal expressions such as 'día a día' (day by day) or 'por momentos' (moment by moment) to emphasize the progression of the decline. This allows for a very descriptive narrative style when telling stories or reporting news. By practicing these different structures, you will gain the confidence to use empeorar in any context, from a casual chat with friends to a formal business presentation.

Si sigues gritando, vas a empeorar tu dolor de garganta.

Las relaciones diplomáticas han empeorado tras el incidente en la frontera.

The word empeorar is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking daily life, appearing in various media and social interactions. One of the most common places you will encounter it is in news broadcasts. Journalists use it to describe the escalation of conflicts, the decline of stock markets, or the worsening of social issues. When you turn on the television or open a news app in Spanish, empeorar is often the headline verb for negative developments. It conveys a sense of seriousness and urgency that is essential for news reporting. Beyond the media, you will hear it frequently in professional settings, particularly in medicine and business, where tracking the direction of a trend is a core part of the job.

In the Hospital or Pharmacy: Patients use it to describe their symptoms to doctors, and doctors use it to warn about potential side effects of medications or the risks of not following a treatment plan.

Doctor, siento que mi tos ha empezado a empeorar desde ayer.

Weather Forecasts: Weather presenters are among the most frequent users of this verb. They use it to predict storms, heatwaves, or cold fronts that are expected to intensify.

Se prevé que las condiciones meteorológicas empeoren al caer la noche.

Business and Economy: In meetings, analysts might discuss how a new competitor could 'empeorar' their market share or how rising costs 'empeoran' the profit margin.

La falta de inversión podría empeorar la productividad de la empresa.

In casual conversation, empeorar is used to vent about daily annoyances. You might hear someone complain that the traffic in their city is 'empeorando' every year, or a parent might worry that their child's grades are starting to 'empeorar'. It is also a staple in literature and film, where it is used to build tension. When a character says 'Las cosas están a punto de empeorar', the audience knows that the conflict is reaching a boiling point. Because it is a formal yet accessible word, it bridges the gap between high-level discourse and everyday speech perfectly. Whether you are in a boardroom in Madrid or a café in Buenos Aires, you will hear people using empeorar to express their concerns about the direction things are taking.

Si no arreglamos el techo ahora, la filtración va a empeorar con la lluvia.

La visibilidad en la carretera comenzó a empeorar debido a la niebla espesa.

Even though empeorar is a regular verb, English speakers often stumble when integrating it into their Spanish. One of the most frequent errors is confusing it with the adjective peor (worse). While in English we might say 'to get worse', in Spanish, you have a dedicated verb for this action. Beginners sometimes try to translate 'get worse' literally as 'conseguir peor' or 'obtener peor', which is grammatically incorrect and sounds very unnatural to native ears. The single verb empeorar encapsulates the entire concept of 'getting worse' or 'becoming worse'. Understanding this one-to-one mapping is the first step toward avoiding common pitfalls.

Mistake: Literal Translation of 'Get Worse': Avoid saying 'ponerse peor' in every situation. While 'ponerse peor' is acceptable for health or temporary states, 'empeorar' is the more versatile and standard verb for general contexts.

Incorrecto: El tiempo se está poniendo peor. (Though understandable, 'empeorando' is better for weather).

Mistake: Overusing the Reflexive 'Se': Many learners assume that because 'mejorar' (to improve) is often used without 'se', 'empeorar' must always have it. In reality, 'empeorar' is most commonly used as a simple intransitive verb without the reflexive pronoun.

Correcto: La economía empeoró. (Not 'se empeoró' in standard usage).

Mistake: Confusing with 'Aminorar' or 'Degradar': Learners sometimes reach for more complex synonyms before they have mastered 'empeorar'. 'Aminorar' means to decrease (usually speed or intensity), and 'degradar' often implies a loss of rank or chemical breakdown. 'Empeorar' is the general term for quality.

Usa empeorar para hablar de la calidad general de una situación o salud.

Another subtle mistake involves the prepositional use. Learners might say 'empeorar de', thinking of 'enfermar de'. However, 'empeorar' is usually direct. You can say 'empeorar de su enfermedad', but it is more common to simply say 'su enfermedad empeoró'. Paying attention to how native speakers structure these sentences in podcasts or books will help you internalize the correct patterns. Lastly, remember that 'empeorar' is a regular verb. Do not try to change the stem (like 'empiorar'); keep the 'e' throughout the conjugation. Mastering these small details will prevent the most common errors and ensure your Spanish is both accurate and sophisticated.

No digas 'él hizo la situación peor', di 'él empeoró la situación'.

Recuerda: 'mejorar' es a 'bueno' como empeorar es a 'peor'.

While empeorar is the most versatile word for describing a decline, Spanish offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your speech. Depending on the context—whether it is medical, social, or physical—you might choose a different word to convey a specific nuance. For instance, in a formal or medical context, you might hear agravarse, which implies that a situation has become more serious or grave. In contrast, for physical objects or structures, deteriorarse is often more appropriate, as it suggests a slow wearing away or decay over time. Understanding these alternatives will help you expand your vocabulary beyond the A2 level and into more advanced proficiency.

Agravar vs. Empeorar: While 'empeorar' is general, 'agravar' is specifically used when a problem or illness becomes more 'grave' or serious. It is very common in legal and medical Spanish.

La falta de higiene puede agravar la infección.

Deteriorarse vs. Empeorar: 'Deteriorarse' is used for the physical decline of materials or health over a long period. Think of a building crumbling or someone's eyesight failing slowly.

El edificio se ha deteriorado mucho por la humedad.

Degenerar vs. Empeorar: 'Degenerar' is used when a situation changes from something good or neutral into something morally or functionally worse. A peaceful protest might 'degenerar' into a riot.

La discusión degeneró en una pelea física.

In more informal settings, you might hear the phrase 'ir de mal en peor' (to go from bad to worse). While not a single verb, this idiom is incredibly common and carries a similar meaning to empeorar, but with added emphasis on a continuous, downward spiral. Another alternative is 'recrudecer', often used for wars, storms, or epidemics that were calming down but have suddenly become violent or intense again. By learning these distinctions, you can choose the exact word that fits your context, making your Spanish more precise and evocative. Whether you are describing a 'deterioro' in infrastructure or an 'agravamiento' of a disease, you are building a sophisticated toolkit for describing the world around you.

Las cosas en la oficina van de mal en peor desde que se fue el jefe.

El frío se va a recrudecer durante el próximo fin de semana.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Se observa un empeoramiento en los indicadores macroeconómicos."

Neutral

"La situación puede empeorar si no llueve pronto."

Informal

"Las cosas en el trabajo están empeorando mucho."

Child friendly

"Si no cuidas tus juguetes, se van a empeorar y romper."

Slang

"Esto se está poniendo feo."

Fun Fact

The word is directly related to 'pessimism'. In Latin, 'pessimus' is the superlative of 'peior' (worst), giving us the root for someone who always expects things to 'empeorar'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /em.pe.oˈɾaɾ/

US /em.pe.oˈɾaɾ/

The stress is on the final syllable 'rar' because it is a verb ending in 'r'.

Rhymes With

mejorar llorar cantar hablar llegar mirar andar pensar

Common Errors

Adding a 'u' sound after the 'p' (empuorar), which is incorrect.
Stressing the 'o' (empeO-rar) instead of the 'rar'.
Failing to pronounce the initial 'e' clearly.
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.
Confusing the spelling with 'peor' and saying 'piorar'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the root 'peor'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation as a regular -ar verb.

Speaking 3/5

Stress on the final syllable is important for clarity.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used in news and weather, making it easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

malo peor mejor mejorar bien

Learn Next

agravar deteriorar recrudecer decaer progresar

Advanced

menoscabar exacerbar depauperar envilecer desmejorar

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar verb conjugation

Yo empeoro, tú empeoras, él empeora.

Subjunctive mood for fear/desire

Temo que la situación empeore.

Transitive vs Intransitive usage

La lluvia empeoró (intransitive) vs La lluvia empeoró el tráfico (transitive).

Future with 'ir a'

Todo va a empeorar si no hacemos nada.

Adverbial placement

La situación empeoró drásticamente.

Examples by Level

El tiempo puede empeorar hoy.

The weather can worsen today.

Simple present with a modal verb 'poder'.

No quiero que mi salud empeore.

I don't want my health to worsen.

Present subjunctive 'empeore' after 'querer que'.

La situación va a empeorar.

The situation is going to get worse.

Future with 'ir a + infinitive'.

Si comes eso, vas a empeorar.

If you eat that, you are going to get worse.

Conditional 'si' clause with future intent.

El tráfico empeora por la tarde.

The traffic gets worse in the afternoon.

Third person singular present tense.

Las cosas no deben empeorar más.

Things must not get any worse.

Modal verb 'deber' followed by the infinitive.

Mi nota en matemáticas empeoró.

My math grade got worse.

Pretérito indefinido (simple past).

El ruido empeora mi dolor de cabeza.

The noise makes my headache worse.

Transitive use of the verb.

Ayer el clima empeoró de repente.

Yesterday the weather worsened suddenly.

Use of 'de repente' with the pretérito indefinido.

Si no estudias, tus notas van a empeorar.

If you don't study, your grades are going to get worse.

Future construction 'ir a + infinitive'.

Él empeoró la situación con sus mentiras.

He made the situation worse with his lies.

Transitive use with a direct object.

La comida en este restaurante ha empeorado.

The food in this restaurant has gotten worse.

Present perfect tense 'ha empeorado'.

Mi resfriado empeora cada vez que salgo.

My cold gets worse every time I go out.

Present tense indicating a recurring action.

No queremos empeorar el problema actual.

We don't want to make the current problem worse.

Infinitive after the verb 'querer'.

El servicio al cliente está empeorando mucho.

Customer service is worsening a lot.

Present progressive 'está empeorando'.

La herida empeoró porque no la limpiaste.

The wound got worse because you didn't clean it.

Past tense showing cause and effect.

Espero que la economía no empeore este año.

I hope the economy doesn't get worse this year.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

Aunque tomó la medicina, su estado empeoró.

Even though he took the medicine, his condition worsened.

Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

Dudo que las cosas empeoren más de lo que están.

I doubt things will get worse than they are.

Subjunctive after 'dudar que'.

La contaminación ha empeorado la calidad del aire.

Pollution has worsened the air quality.

Present perfect transitive use.

Si la lluvia sigue, el camino va a empeorar.

If the rain continues, the road is going to get worse.

Conditional sentence with a probable outcome.

Me preocupa que la relación entre ellos empeore.

It worries me that the relationship between them might worsen.

Subjunctive after an expression of emotion.

El paciente empeoró notablemente durante la noche.

The patient worsened notably during the night.

Adverbial modification with 'notablemente'.

No deberías decir nada para no empeorar las cosas.

You shouldn't say anything so as not to make things worse.

Negative purpose clause 'para no + infinitive'.

Si no hubieras intervenido, el conflicto habría empeorado.

If you hadn't intervened, the conflict would have worsened.

Third conditional (past unreal) sentence.

Se teme que la crisis humanitaria empeore en breve.

It is feared that the humanitarian crisis will worsen shortly.

Impersonal 'se' with subjunctive mood.

Los cambios climáticos están haciendo que el tiempo empeore.

Climate changes are causing the weather to worsen.

Cause-effect structure triggering the subjunctive.

La situación política ha empeorado drásticamente hoy.

The political situation has worsened drastically today.

Present perfect with a strong adverb.

Nada de lo que hagas debería empeorar tu reputación.

Nothing you do should worsen your reputation.

Subjunctive in a relative clause with an indefinite antecedent.

El ruido constante empeoró su estado de nervios.

The constant noise worsened his state of nerves.

Transitive use with an abstract object.

A medida que pasaba el tiempo, la visibilidad empeoraba.

As time passed, the visibility was worsening.

Imperfect tense showing a progressive change in the past.

Es probable que las condiciones laborales empeoren pronto.

It is probable that labor conditions will worsen soon.

Subjunctive after 'es probable que'.

La falta de consenso solo contribuye a empeorar el clima social.

The lack of consensus only contributes to worsening the social climate.

Infinitive used as a noun phrase after 'a'.

Resulta imperativo actuar antes de que la situación empeore.

It is imperative to act before the situation worsens.

Subjunctive after 'antes de que'.

Sus facultades mentales han empezado a empeorar con la edad.

His mental faculties have started to worsen with age.

Periphrasis 'empezar a + infinitive'.

Cualquier error ahora podría empeorar irremediablemente el proceso.

Any error now could irremediably worsen the process.

Conditional mood with a strong adverb.

El informe advierte que la sequía empeorará en la región.

The report warns that the drought will worsen in the region.

Future tense in a subordinate clause.

Lejos de mejorar, las relaciones bilaterales han empeorado.

Far from improving, bilateral relations have worsened.

Contrastive structure 'lejos de... han empeorado'.

No permitas que el pesimismo empeore tu visión del mundo.

Don't allow pessimism to worsen your view of the world.

Imperative followed by a subjunctive clause.

La crisis se agrava, amenazando con empeorar aún más.

The crisis is aggravating, threatening to worsen even more.

Gerund phrase expressing a threat.

La desidia institucional no ha hecho sino empeorar la precariedad.

Institutional neglect has done nothing but worsen the precariousness.

Complex negative structure 'no ha hecho sino + infinitive'.

Es lícito suponer que las tensiones empeorarán sin un mediador.

It is legitimate to assume that tensions will worsen without a mediator.

Formal structure 'es lícito suponer que'.

Cualquier dilación en el pago solo servirá para empeorar su deuda.

Any delay in payment will only serve to worsen your debt.

Future tense with 'servir para' construction.

El panorama parece empeorar a medida que surgen nuevos datos.

The panorama seems to worsen as new data emerges.

Infinitive with 'parece' and a temporal clause.

Sus palabras, lejos de ser conciliadoras, empeoraron el ánimo.

His words, far from being conciliatory, worsened the mood.

Parenthetical contrastive phrase.

La falta de mantenimiento ha empeorado la integridad estructural.

The lack of maintenance has worsened the structural integrity.

Transitive use with technical terminology.

Temo que la polarización empeore la convivencia ciudadana.

I fear that polarization will worsen civic coexistence.

Subjunctive mood expressing social concern.

Si la situación empeorara, tendríamos que activar el protocolo.

If the situation were to worsen, we would have to activate the protocol.

Hypothetical 'si' clause with past subjunctive and conditional.

Common Collocations

empeorar drásticamente

empeorar sensiblemente

empeorar la salud

empeorar el clima

empeorar la situación

amenazar con empeorar

empezar a empeorar

empeorar con el tiempo

empeorar la calidad

empeorar por momentos

Common Phrases

No quiero empeorar las cosas.

— Used when someone wants to avoid adding more trouble to a situation. It is a very common way to apologize or be cautious.

Mejor me callo, no quiero empeorar las cosas entre nosotros.

La situación tiende a empeorar.

— Used in reports to indicate that a downward trend is likely to continue. It sounds formal and analytical.

Según los expertos, la situación tiende a empeorar si no hay cambios.

Ha empeorado notablemente.

— Used to describe a change that is very easy to see or notice. Common in medical or performance reviews.

El rendimiento del equipo ha empeorado notablemente este semestre.

Empeorar de salud.

— A specific way to say someone's physical condition is declining. It is a standard medical expression.

Mi abuelo ha empeorado de salud en los últimos días.

Para no empeorar el dolor...

— Used when giving advice on how to handle an injury or emotional hurt. It introduces a preventative action.

Para no empeorar el dolor de espalda, no levantes objetos pesados.

Todo parece empeorar.

— Used to express a general feeling of pessimism about multiple things going wrong at once.

Últimamente, todo parece empeorar en mi vida profesional.

Empeorar la relación.

— To make the bond between two people more strained or difficult. Used in social contexts.

Ese malentendido solo sirvió para empeorar la relación familiar.

Hacer empeorar.

— A transitive construction meaning 'to cause to get worse'. It emphasizes the external cause.

La humedad puede hacer empeorar el estado de la madera.

Empeorar la visibilidad.

— Commonly used in traffic or weather reports to describe fog, rain, or smoke.

El humo del incendio ha empeorado la visibilidad en la carretera.

Empeorar las condiciones.

— To make the environment or rules of a situation more difficult or harsh.

La nueva gerencia ha empeorado las condiciones de trabajo.

Often Confused With

empeorar vs peorar

This word does not exist in Spanish; always use 'empeorar'.

empeorar vs empiorar

A common spelling mistake; the root is 'peor', but the verb is 'empeorar'.

empeorar vs mejorar

The opposite meaning; don't mix them up in conversation!

Idioms & Expressions

"Ir de mal en peor"

— To go from bad to worse. Describes a situation that is continuously declining without any sign of improvement.

Desde que perdió su empleo, su vida ha ido de mal en peor.

informal/neutral

"Ponerse feo"

— To get ugly (worsen). Usually used for weather or a social situation that is becoming dangerous or tense.

El cielo se está poniendo feo, mejor regresemos a casa.

informal

"Echar leña al fuego"

— To add fuel to the fire. To say or do something that makes an already bad situation worse.

Sus críticas solo sirvieron para echar leña al fuego en la discusión.

informal

"Llover sobre mojado"

— To rain on something already wet. Used when something bad happens to someone who is already in a bad situation.

Perdió las llaves y ahora se le rompió el coche; llueve sobre mojado.

neutral

"Irse a pique"

— To sink or go down. Used when a business or a plan fails completely and quickly.

La empresa se fue a pique después del escándalo financiero.

informal

"Cavar su propia tumba"

— To dig one's own grave. To do something that will eventually worsen one's situation or lead to failure.

Si sigues mintiendo, estás cavando tu propia tumba.

informal

"Ser peor el remedio que la enfermedad"

— The cure is worse than the disease. Used when a solution actually makes the situation worse.

Esa medicina me dio alergia; fue peor el remedio que la enfermedad.

neutral

"Estar en las últimas"

— To be on one's last legs. Used when a situation or health has worsened to a critical point.

Mi viejo ordenador ya está en las últimas, no arranca.

informal

"Tocar fondo"

— To hit rock bottom. To reach the absolute worst point of a situation.

Después de tocar fondo, solo le quedaba empezar a mejorar.

neutral

"Salirse de madre"

— To get out of hand. Used when a situation worsens by becoming uncontrollable.

La fiesta se salió de madre y tuvieron que llamar a la policía.

informal

Easily Confused

empeorar vs agravar

Both mean to make worse.

'Agravar' is usually used for illnesses or serious problems that become 'grave'. 'Empeorar' is more general.

La falta de agua puede agravar la sequía.

empeorar vs deteriorar

Both imply a negative change.

'Deteriorar' is specifically for physical decay or long-term wear and tear.

El sol deteriora el plástico.

empeorar vs decaer

Both involve a downward trend.

'Decaer' often refers to a loss of energy, spirit, or enthusiasm.

Su interés por el curso empezó a decaer.

empeorar vs recrudecer

Both mean worsening.

'Recrudecer' is for something that was getting better but suddenly gets worse again.

La violencia se recrudeció en la capital.

empeorar vs perjudicar

Both involve a negative impact.

'Perjudicar' means to harm or damage someone's interests or health.

Esta ley va a perjudicar a los pequeños negocios.

Sentence Patterns

El/La [sustantivo] va a empeorar.

La comida va a empeorar.

[Sujeto] empeoró la situación.

Juan empeoró la situación.

Espero que no empeore [sujeto].

Espero que no empeore el tiempo.

Si [condición], la situación empeoraría.

Si no paramos, la situación empeoraría.

[Sujeto] no ha hecho sino empeorar.

Su actitud no ha hecho sino empeorar.

A medida que [verbo], [sujeto] empeora.

A medida que pasa el tiempo, el dolor empeora.

Lejos de mejorar, [sujeto] ha empeorado.

Lejos de mejorar, la economía ha empeorado.

Cualquier [sustantivo] solo servirá para empeorar [objeto].

Cualquier retraso solo servirá para empeorar la crisis.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in news, health, and weather contexts.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'obtener peor' or 'hacerse peor'. → empeorar
English speakers often try to translate 'get worse' literally. In Spanish, 'empeorar' is the dedicated verb for this concept.
Spelling it 'empiorar'. → empeorar
The root is 'peor', but the verb keeps the 'e' from the Latin root. It is always 'empeorar'.
Using 'se empeoró' for every situation. → empeoró
While 'se empeoró' is used sometimes in health, 'empeorar' is mostly non-reflexive. 'La situación empeoró' is the standard.
Stressing the wrong syllable (em-PE-o-rar). → em-pe-o-RAR
Spanish verbs ending in 'r' always stress the last syllable unless there is an accent mark elsewhere.
Using 'empeorar en' when it's not needed. → empeorar la situación
Empeorar is a direct transitive verb. You don't need 'en' before the object.

Tips

Master the Stem

Remember that the stem 'empeor-' never changes because it is a regular verb. Don't be tempted to change the 'e' or 'o' during conjugation.

Learn the Antonym

Always study 'empeorar' and 'mejorar' together. They are a perfect pair of opposites that you will use constantly in conversation.

Stress the End

In the infinitive 'empeorar', the stress is on the 'rar'. Practicing this will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Use the Noun

In formal writing, try using 'empeoramiento' to vary your sentence structure. For example, 'El empeoramiento de la crisis' sounds very professional.

Context Clues

When you hear 'peor', listen closely to see if it's the adjective or the verb 'empeorar'. This will help you understand the sentence structure better.

Daily Weather

Try to describe the weather every day. If it's cloudy or rainy, ask yourself: '¿Va a empeorar el tiempo hoy?'

News Headlines

Check Spanish news headlines daily. You will frequently see 'empeorar' used in titles about the economy or global events.

The 'Peor' Connection

Whenever you see 'empeorar', just see the word 'peor' inside it. This is the fastest way to remember its meaning.

Don't Overcomplicate

While there are many synonyms, 'empeorar' is almost always the right choice. Use it as your default verb for 'getting worse'.

Watch for 'Que'

If you say 'Espero que...', 'Temo que...', or 'Dudo que...', remember to use the subjunctive form: 'empeore'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'peor' (worse). 'Em-' is like 'entering into' a state of 'peor'. So, em-peor-ar is entering the state of being worse.

Visual Association

Imagine a staircase going down into a dark basement. Each step down represents 'empeorando'.

Word Web

peor salud clima economía mejorar tráfico situación problema

Challenge

Try to use 'empeorar' in a sentence about the weather, a health issue, and a news event today.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'peiorare', which comes from 'peior' (worse).

Original meaning: To make worse.

Romance (Latin branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'empeorar' to describe someone's personal appearance; it can be very offensive. Use 'desmejorar' for health-related appearance changes instead.

English speakers often use 'get worse' which is a phrasal verb. Spanish uses the single verb 'empeorar' which sounds more formal to English ears but is perfectly normal in Spanish.

Commonly heard in news reports regarding 'el cambio climático' (climate change). Found in medical dramas like 'Pulseras Rojas' when discussing patient status. Used in economic headlines in newspapers like 'El País' or 'La Nación'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical / Health

empeorar de salud
el paciente empeoró
empeorar los síntomas
riesgo de empeorar

Weather Forecast

el tiempo va a empeorar
las condiciones empeoran
empeorar la visibilidad
tormenta que empeora

Economy / Business

la economía empeora
empeorar la situación financiera
los precios empeoran el consumo
empeorar la productividad

Social / Political

el conflicto empeoró
empeorar las relaciones
la crisis empeora
empeorar el clima social

Personal Life

mis notas empeoraron
empeorar la discusión
mi coche está empeorando
no empeores las cosas

Conversation Starters

"¿Crees que el tráfico de la ciudad va a empeorar en el futuro?"

"¿Qué cosas hacen que una discusión empeore rápidamente?"

"¿Has notado si el clima en tu región ha empeorado últimamente?"

"¿Qué podemos hacer para no empeorar la contaminación del aire?"

"¿Alguna vez has tomado una decisión que empeoró un problema?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una situación que empezó mal pero luego empezó a empeorar. ¿Cómo terminó?

Describe cómo el clima puede empeorar tu estado de ánimo en un día gris.

Reflexiona sobre cómo el uso excesivo de la tecnología podría empeorar nuestras relaciones sociales.

Escribe un consejo para alguien que está enfermo para que su salud no empeore.

Imagina un mundo donde la economía no deja de empeorar. ¿Cómo viviría la gente?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be used reflexively ('empeorarse') especially when talking about health, but it is much more commonly used as a non-reflexive verb ('empeorar'). For example, you say 'La situación empeoró', not 'La situación se empeoró'.

'Empeorar' is a single verb and is generally more versatile and formal. 'Ponerse peor' is a phrase often used for temporary states or health. Both are correct, but 'empeorar' is the standard choice in writing.

It is a regular -ar verb. In the pretérito indefinido: yo empeoré, tú empeoraste, él/ella empeoró, nosotros empeoramos, vosotros empeorasteis, ellos/ellas empeoraron.

Yes, but usually to describe their health or performance, not their character. For example: 'Él empeoró en sus estudios' or 'Su salud empeoró'.

Yes, the noun is 'empeoramiento', which means 'worsening' or 'decline'. For example: 'Hubo un empeoramiento de las condiciones climáticas'.

The direct opposite is 'mejorar', which means 'to improve' or 'to get better'.

Yes, it can. It means 'to make something worse'. For example: 'Tus palabras empeoraron la situación'.

Yes, it is a universal Spanish word and is understood and used in every Spanish-speaking region.

You can say 'empeorar cada vez más' or use the idiom 'ir de mal en peor'.

No, it is usually followed directly by the object if used transitively, or used alone if intransitive. For example: 'Empeorar la situación' (not 'empeorar de la situación').