What term describes something that continually gets worse?

• A. Progressive
• B. Chronic
• C. Deteriorating
• D. Worsening

Answer: (A)

A continually worsening condition is described as progressive. That term signals an ongoing downward trajectory in severity over time, meaning things keep getting worse as time passes. A chronic condition, by contrast, emphasizes that it lasts a long time, not necessarily that it is worsening; it can be stable. Deteriorating describes a decline happening now or recently, but it doesn’t inherently convey a steady, long-term pattern. Worsening is a general term for getting worse, but it doesn’t specify that the decline is ongoing and progressive. So, progressive best fits the idea of a condition that continually gets worse.