exacerbate
What does "exacerbate" mean?
To exacerbate something means to make a bad situation, a problem, or a negative feeling significantly worse. Think of it as adding fuel to a fire or pressing down on a bruise; it takes an existing issue and pushes it to a more intense or painful level. This word is most commonly used in formal or academic contexts, such as medical reports, news articles, or professional discussions. You would likely say that "poverty exacerbates health issues" or "lack of sleep exacerbates stress," rather than using it in casual, everyday conversation where "make it worse" would be more natural.
"exacerbate" in conversation
Discussing a medical condition
Are you still exercising despite the pain?
Are you still exercising despite the pain?
Yes, I thought I could work through it.
Yes, I thought I could work through it.
Please stop; that will only exacerbate the injury.
Please stop; that will only exacerbate the injury.
Used here to warn that an action will worsen an existing health problem.
At an office meeting
If we cut the budget further, it will exacerbate our staffing shortages.
If we cut the budget further, it will exacerbate our staffing shortages.
I agree, we are already stretched too thin.
I agree, we are already stretched too thin.
A formal way to state that a decision will intensify an organizational problem.
"exacerbate" in a sentence
Scratching a mosquito bite will only exacerbate the itching.
Scratching a mosquito bite will only exacerbate the itching.
The new regulations exacerbate the difficulties faced by small businesses.
The new regulations exacerbate the difficulties faced by small businesses.
His sarcastic tone served only to exacerbate the underlying tension in the room.
His sarcastic tone served only to exacerbate the underlying tension in the room.
