noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
worsening; deterioration; becoming malicious
Refers to a situation, behavior, or quality becoming worse, more malicious, or more harmful. Often used in contexts like crime, business practices, or environmental conditions.
最近、ネット上の誹謗中傷が悪質化している。
Recently, online slander has been worsening.
このままでは事態が悪質化する恐れがある。
If this continues, the situation may deteriorate.