# exacerbate

/ɪɡˈzæsɝˌbeɪt/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈæsəbˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exacerbate
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to make a bad situation, feeling, or problem much worse. You use this when something already difficult becomes even more difficult.

For teachers: to make a condition, situation, or feeling worse. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the negative state being intensified.

## Examples

- The cold weather exacerbates my allergies.
- The manager's harsh criticism exacerbated the tension in the office, leading to several employees leaving early.
- Economic instability often exacerbates social inequalities, as the most vulnerable members of the population are the first to lose their jobs and savings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.