exacerbate
verb (used with object)
to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.
have been exacerbating
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present perfect progressiveof exacerbate.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
The abnormally high overnight temperatures have been exacerbating the risk of heat stress and heat-related illness, said Sam Zuber, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
