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.
Social media has found a culprit: Passengers who use the bags to store trash often get blamed for exacerbating the scarcity problem.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
Another exacerbating factor is that from 2019-20 through 2024-25, enrollment and hiring moved in opposite direction.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026
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
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
