exacerbated

[ ig-zas-er-bey-tid, ek-sas- ]

adjective

1. made worse, more severe, or more bitter; aggravated:

   The Economic Policy Institute recently released a study showing evidence of an exacerbated income gap between rich and poor.

2. feeling or showing embitterment, irritation, or exasperation:

   With an exacerbated huff, the gunslinger hauled a second revolver from his shoulder, training its barrel on the captain.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of exacerbate ( def ).

Other Words From

• un·ex·ac·er·bat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exacerbated¹

exacerbate ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

It also comes at a key time for millions of Americans, as elevated grocery prices and persistent inflation have exacerbated food insecurity across the country.

From Salon

The attacks have added to the humanitarian crisis in a region reeling from a years-long civil war and four years of extreme drought exacerbated by climate change.

From BBC

While gold remains a valuable commodity, rising mining costs - exacerbated by electricity disruptions and deeper deposits - have made the vast majority of mines unprofitable, according to the Minerals Council of South Africa, an industry body.

From BBC

Such reticence might be exacerbated by the existence of the so-called warrior board.

From Los Angeles Times

The outcry was exacerbated by the attacks occurring on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht - Nazi pogroms against German Jews that took place in 1938.

From BBC