ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compounded

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kəmˈpaʊndəd// UK //kɒmpˈaʊndɪd// com·pound·ed

adj. made worse or more serious because another problem has been added to it.

adj. describing a situation or problem that has been intensified or made more complex by additional factors. Often used as a participial adjective following a linking verb.


SIMPLE

The problem is compounded by a lack of funding.

CONTEXTUAL

The city's traffic issues are compounded by the fact that several major bridges are currently closed for repairs.

COMPLEX

The economic crisis was compounded by a sudden spike in energy prices, leaving many small businesses unable to cover their basic operating costs during the winter months.

Synonyms
Usage

Often follows 'be', 'become', or 'get'; frequently paired with the preposition 'by'.

Pitfall

The issue compounded by the rain.The issue was compounded by the rain.When used to describe a state, this word requires a linking verb like 'was' or 'is' to form a passive or adjectival construction.

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