exacerbate
/ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/To make a bad situation, problem, or feeling worse than it already is. It does not create the problem — it makes an existing one more severe.
- The drought exacerbated the food shortage across the region.
- Shouting at him only exacerbated the conflict.
- Poor infrastructure exacerbates the effects of flooding.
Adinary Nuance
Exacerbate, aggravate, worsen, and compound all describe making something worse, but they sit at very different registers. "Worsen" is the most neutral and everyday — anyone can use it in any context. "Aggravate" is slightly more formal and common in both speech and writing, but native speakers also use it casually (and sometimes incorrectly to mean "irritate a person"). "Exacerbate" sits firmly in written, academic, and professional English — you will see it in IELTS essays, news reports, and research papers, but rarely in casual conversation. "Compound" is close in formality but usually collocates with abstract nouns like "compound the problem" or "compound the difficulty," while "exacerbate" pairs naturally with a wider range: tensions, symptoms, inequalities, crises. If you're aiming for a Band 7+ IELTS essay, "exacerbate" is a strong choice over "worsen."
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- làm trầm trọng thêm
- Spanish
- agravar
- Chinese
- 加剧
- Japanese
- 悪化させる
- Korean
- 악화시키다
Etymology
From Latin "exacerbare," meaning "to make harsh or bitter," built from "ex-" (thoroughly) and "acerbus" (bitter, harsh). The word entered English in the 17th century and has always carried a formal tone.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'exacerbate' a formal word? Can I use it in everyday speech?
- Yes, it is formal. Native speakers rarely use it in casual conversation — 'make things worse' or 'worsen' sound more natural in everyday talk. Save 'exacerbate' for essays, reports, and professional writing.
- What is the difference between 'exacerbate' and 'aggravate'?
- 'Exacerbate' is more academic and almost always appears in written English. 'Aggravate' is more flexible — it works in both formal writing and spoken English, and some people also use it to mean 'to annoy someone,' which 'exacerbate' does not mean.
- How do I use 'exacerbate' correctly in an IELTS essay?
- Use it with an object that describes a problem or negative situation. For example: 'Rapid urbanisation can exacerbate air pollution.' Avoid using it with positive things — you cannot exacerbate something good.
- What is the noun form of 'exacerbate'?
- The noun form is 'exacerbation.' For example: 'Stress can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms.' It is also commonly used in medical writing.