verschlimmbesserung
fɛɐ̯ˈʃlɪmˌbɛsəʁʊŋ
Verschlimmbesserung describes the act of trying to improve something, only to make it worse in the process. The word is a clever blend of "verschlimmern" (to make worse) and "verbessern" (to improve), perfectly capturing the frustration of a "fix" that backfires. You use this term when a well-intentioned change—like a software update that breaks a working feature or a home repair that creates a new leak—actually worsens the situation. It is a humorous, slightly cynical term often used in everyday conversation to highlight the irony of human interference.
In conversation
After a software update
I updated the app, but now the menu is impossible to navigate.
I updated the app, but now the menu is impossible to navigate.
Classic Verschlimmbesserung. It was fine before!
Classic Verschlimmbesserung. It was fine before!
Used to describe a tech update that decreases usability.
Home improvement disaster
I tried to paint over the scratch, but now the whole wall is a different shade.
I tried to paint over the scratch, but now the whole wall is a different shade.
Oh no, that is a textbook Verschlimmbesserung.
Oh no, that is a textbook Verschlimmbesserung.
Highlights how an attempt to fix a minor issue created a larger one.
Examples
My attempt to fix the clock was a total Verschlimmbesserung.
My attempt to fix the clock was a total Verschlimmbesserung.
The new city traffic plan resulted in a major Verschlimmbesserung for commuters.
The new city traffic plan resulted in a major Verschlimmbesserung for commuters.
Beware of editing your writing too much, or you might end up with a Verschlimmbesserung of your original draft.
Beware of editing your writing too much, or you might end up with a Verschlimmbesserung of your original draft.
