- present tense form of exacerbate (3rd person singular).
exacerbates
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“On any given day the air is unhealthy to breathe and so of course when you bring a disaster into it, it only exacerbates the existing issues,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026
He agrees that tech should help to “relieve humans of arduous, repetitive or dangerous tasks” and “provide intelligent support,” but also warns of growing A.I.-induced inequality, which exacerbates poverty and forced migration.
From Slate • May 28, 2026
Borrowed money magnifies returns when share prices are rising as smaller investors are able to gain far more exposure to the upside, but when share prices fall that leverage exacerbates losses.
From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026
There are many examples of match officials being placed in harmful situations but with individuals fearful of speaking out lest it exacerbates the situation or causes further alarm to friends, family and colleagues.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
I’m frightened, but I’m not sure what I’m afraid of, which just exacerbates the fear.
From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
