加剧缺点

jiājù quēdiǎn
verb phraseIntermediate💡 exacerbate flaws
formal

To make existing flaws or weaknesses more severe or pronounced.

这种政策可能会加剧社会不平等。

This policy may exacerbate social inequality.

拖延症会加剧工作压力。

Procrastination exacerbates work stress.

💡

Often used in contexts discussing negative outcomes, policies, habits, or systemic issues.

Collocations

加剧矛盾exacerbate contradictions加剧危机worsen a crisis加剧分化intensify polarization加剧贫富差距widen the wealth gap

Related Phrases

弥补缺点phrase
compensate for flaws
掩盖缺点phrase
cover up flaws
根除缺点phrase
eradicate flaws

💡Pro Tip

Distinguish from '产生缺点'

'加剧缺点' implies worsening existing flaws, while '产生缺点' means 'to create flaws.' The former focuses on intensification, while the latter refers to initial formation.

Gold Rule

Contextual nuance

Use '加剧缺点' when discussing how an action or condition makes pre-existing problems worse. Avoid using it for neutral or positive outcomes.

📖Word Origin

Composed of '加剧' (jiājù, meaning 'to intensify' or 'to exacerbate') and '缺点' (quēdiǎn, meaning 'flaws' or 'shortcomings'). '加剧' derives from '加' (to add/increase) + '剧' (severe/intense), while '缺点' combines '缺' (lack/shortage) + '点' (point/aspect). The phrase emerged in modern Chinese as a compound term to describe the worsening of inherent problems.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is typically used in formal or analytical contexts (e.g., social sciences, economics, policy discussions) to describe how certain actions or conditions worsen existing problems. It implies that the flaws were already present and are being intensified, rather than introducing new ones.

Word Breakdown

加剧
to intensify/exacerbate
verb phrase
+
缺点
flaws/shortcomings
noun
汉英词典