exacerbate
verb (used with object)
to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.
exacerbating
-
present participleof exacerbate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
That will weigh on household purchasing power "at a time when consumption is weakening and rising interest rates are exacerbating France's fiscal difficulties" they said.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
"The strong El Niño is making the dry season drier over the fire-prone parts of the country and exacerbating burning -- just as we anticipated it would," he said.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 6, 2026
Many of the ongoing fires have been burning across Sumatra and Indonesian Borneo since mid-July – underpinned by a so-called Super El Niño that is exacerbating drought conditions.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026
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
One of the fluorescent lights had started flickering halfway through class, exacerbating the pain, and Moss was eager to dart over to his locker and get his medication.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
