C1verbformalhealth
US/ɪɡˈzæs.ər.beɪt/
UK/ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/
to make an existing problem, illness or bad situation worse
In context
Air pollution can exacerbate asthma, especially in young children.
Cutting the health budget would only exacerbate the shortage of nurses.
Constant criticism from his boss exacerbated his feelings of self-doubt.
Words that go with exacerbate
verb + noun
- exacerbate the problemBuilding more roads may actually exacerbate the problem of traffic.
- exacerbate symptomsStress and lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of eczema.
- exacerbate tensionsThe minister's comments exacerbated tensions between the two communities.
- exacerbate inequalityCritics fear online learning will exacerbate inequality between rich and poor students.
- exacerbate the situationPanic buying only exacerbated the situation in the supermarkets.
adverb + verb
- further exacerbateHeavy rain could further exacerbate flooding in the Mekong Delta.