aggravating

USAGE SUMMARY

'aggravating' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to refer to something that increases the intensity and difficulty of a situation, often making it worse or more difficult to handle. For example, "The constant traffic noise outside was an aggravating factor in my inability to concentrate on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Peter Reedy, an FBI-trained hostage negotiator and former sergeant, argues officers were wrong to rush into a tense stand-off with their guns drawn and ended up aggravating a situation they should have diffused.

The Guardian

The lower growth projection is expected to affect all aspects of the economy, aggravating unemployment – at 25%, the highest in the EU – and enlarging the nation's debt load, which is already the equivalent of 180% of GDP.

The Guardian

But since most countries rely excessively on consumption taxes, this in turn risks aggravating inequality rather than reducing it.Data on income from capital are skimpy.

The Economist

Israel's prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has openly agitated against it, aggravating relations with Mr Obama already strained by rows over settlement-building and the lack of progress on a Palestinian peace deal.

The Economist

He was blamed for aggravating the Sunni-Shia tensions that befuddled Iraq's ability to tackle Islamic State.Israel invaded Gaza in response to an increase in rocket attacks into Israel by Palestinian militants.

The Economist

Yet these stopgaps allowed Mr Morsi's government to dither, over enacting economic reforms needed to unlock still bigger flows of aid and investment, such as a long-proffered $4.8 billion IMF loan.The long-delayed rationalisation of ruinous energy subsidies was particularly aggravating.

The Economist

Such a profit squeeze cannot continue indefinitely, of course, but as yet there is little sign that the dollar's weakness is aggravating price pressure.For the moment, the dollar's decline is reflecting investors' expectations of Fed policy rather than tying the central bankers' hands.

The Economist

Vehicles will run ahead of the trains and send back information about what lies ahead, including migrants who remain willing to risk the jump.Campaigners argue that such measures are aggravating the risks.

The Economist

Won't pay Sharing bodily warmth Lifting the lid Bust to boom A money machine No laughing matter Fat-fighters in a sweat Reading the tea leaves ReprintsAlong with Bolivia and Venezuela, Ecuador is part of an "axis of Marxists" that seems to take a delight in aggravating the international financial community and America in particular.

The Economist

That could not happen now, when biofuels are aggravating food shortages and exporters hoard supplies for their own people.

The Economist

Growth is aggravating old deficiencies: 18% of Mexican border towns have no drinking water, 30% no sewage treatment, and 43% inadequate rubbish disposal, according to Franco Barreno, head of the Border Environment Co-operation Commission (BECC), a bilateral agency set up under NAFTA.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aggravating", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being made worse. For example, specify if you are "aggravating" a situation, a condition, or a person.

Common error

Avoid using "aggravating" when a milder term like "annoying" or "irritating" would be more appropriate. "Aggravating" implies a significant worsening of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The word "aggravating" primarily functions as a present participle of the verb aggravate, often used to describe something that is currently making a situation worse. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "aggravating" functions as a present participle, signifying the act of making something worse. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business domains. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to understand that aggravating implies a significant worsening, requiring careful consideration of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended intensity. Alternatives like "worsening", "exacerbating", and "intensifying" offer nuanced options for expressing similar ideas. Given its widespread use, understanding "aggravating" and its contextual appropriateness enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsening

This alternative uses a more direct verb to indicate a decline or deterioration.

exacerbating

This term is more formal and emphasizes the intensification of a negative situation or condition.

intensifying

Focuses on the increase in strength or degree of something, whether positive or negative.

compounding

Highlights the addition of new problems to existing ones, making the situation more complex.

inflaming

Suggests an increase in anger or hostility, often in a figurative sense.

heightening

Emphasizes raising something to a higher level or degree.

magnifying

Implies making something appear larger or more significant, often in terms of problems or difficulties.

provoking

Indicates causing a reaction or response, often negative or unwanted.

irritating

Focuses on causing annoyance or frustration, often in a minor way.

stimulating

This alternative is a broader term for inciting or arousing, which can include provoking aggravation as a consequence.

FAQs

How to use "aggravating" in a sentence?

You can use "aggravating" to describe something that makes a situation worse, as in "The constant delays were "aggravating" the already tense negotiations."

What can I say instead of "aggravating"?

You can use alternatives like "worsening", "exacerbating", or "intensifying" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "aggravating" or "irritating"?

"Aggravating" implies a more significant worsening of a situation, while "irritating" suggests a milder annoyance. The choice depends on the degree of impact.

What's the difference between "aggravating" and "exacerbating"?

"Exacerbating" is often used in more formal or technical contexts to describe making a condition or problem more severe, whereas "aggravating" is a more general term.