exacerbate the situation

/ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt ðə sɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/
phraseIntermediate
formal

To make a bad situation even worse by adding to its severity or difficulty.

The government's decision to raise taxes exacerbated the economic crisis.

The government's decision to raise taxes made the economic crisis worse.

Arguing with the customer only exacerbated the situation.

Arguing with the customer made the situation worse.

💡

Often used in formal or professional contexts to describe worsening conditions.

Collocations

exacerbate tensionsmake tensions worseexacerbate the problemmake the problem worse

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

add fuel to the fireidiom
make a bad situation worse
pour oil on troubled watersidiom
calm a difficult situation

💡Pro Tip

Formal Usage

Use this phrase in formal writing or professional settings to describe worsening conditions.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

Use this phrase sparingly to maintain its impact in formal writing.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'exacerbāre' (to make bitter or harsh) + 'situation' (from Latin 'situātiō').

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in formal writing and professional contexts to describe the worsening of a situation.

Word Breakdown

exacerbate
to make worse
verb
+
the situation
the current state of affairs
noun phrase
English Dictionary