aggravate
verb (used with object)
to make worse or more severe; intensify, as anything evil, disorderly, or troublesome.
were aggravating
-
past progressiveof aggravate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
She said Swalwell’s denials of the online accusations in the week leading up to the stories’ publication were aggravating.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026
Bar officials noted in the statement that “a selfish motive” and “a pattern of misconduct” were aggravating factors in the case.
From New York Times ● Mar. 9, 2023
The judge added that a "selfish motive" and "a pattern of misconduct" were aggravating factors in the case.
From Salon ● Mar. 9, 2023
The jury - which consisted of seven men and five women - did find there were aggravating factors which warranted the use of the death penalty.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2022
The limitations placed by Gen. Harney upon Lyon's assignment to command were aggravating.
From The Struggle for Missouri by John McElroy
