exacerbate
verb (used with object)
to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.
are exacerbating
-
present progressiveof exacerbate.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Major markets may be taking their signal from U.S. bonds, but credibility gaps in Europe are exacerbating the moves, they added.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 1, 2026
Drought-depleted reservoirs, wildfires and a surge in energy demand tied to the artificial-intelligence race are exacerbating the situation, according to NERC.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026
Increased inflows into hedge funds, with $3.5 billion in stock purchases this year, are exacerbating extreme stock price movements.
From Barron's ● Feb. 13, 2026
The fires are exacerbating an already tough economic climate for L.A.’s most famous industry.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 12, 2025
“Delays are exacerbating the impact on victims and witnesses, as well as increasing the risk of cases collapsing,” said the NAO.
From BBC ● May 23, 2024
