compounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "compounded" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It has a few different meanings, including to combine or mix together, to increase (usually in size or intensity), or to increase (usually in complexity or difficulty). Example sentence: The situation was further compounded by the unexpected discovery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Teenage girls who have been raped have had the trauma compounded by having to get on a plane to access necessary healthcare.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Tomiko Newson had a conflict of interest which was further compounded when she became employed by the BBC, and the BBC should have ensured that someone independent of it was there to lead the trip".

The Guardian

Jonathan's perceived casual indifference to the suffering of his people was compounded when he was photographed celebrating his niece's lavish wedding just a few days after Boko Haram had killed 2,000 people in the town of Baga.

The Guardian

Society's wider fear of loneliness is compounded by a "phobia" of old age with the effect of inhibiting attempts to tackle the problem, she added.

The Guardian

Misconceptions are particularly rife in a prison setting, says Peter Magati, the officer in charge of welfare at the prison: "Education levels are often low and the problem is compounded by practices such as sex in exchange for food, sharing of sharp objects and little access to condoms".

The Guardian

No doubt the problem is compounded by the fact that more than 25 years have elapsed since Britain last started to build an atomic power station and the wider pool of experts has diminished due to retirement.

The Guardian - Business

That gross error of judgment was apparently compounded last week: Ballack refused to authorise an interview with a few warm words for Dutt when he found out he would not be playing at Werder.

The Guardian - Sport

Few people are aware of the entitlement and this is compounded by entrenched resistance to it in the health system.

The Guardian

These injuries were compounded in 2007, a month after he was selected as a parliamentary candidate, when he suffered severe concussion following an attack by neo-Nazis at a gay pride event in Moscow.

The Guardian

The value of Iran's national currency, the rial, has dropped dramatically in recent years as the result of western sanctions, which have compounded the country's economic woes.

The Guardian

Birmingham's misery was compounded in the 79th minute as Robinson was shown a straight red card by the referee Andy Woolmer for scything down Wilson.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compounded", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being increased or intensified. For example, specify what factors have "compounded" the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "compounded" vaguely. Clearly state what elements are being combined or what situation is being worsened. For instance, instead of saying "The issue was compounded", specify "The issue was compounded by a lack of resources and poor planning."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compounded" is a verb form, typically used as the past participle of the verb "compound". It often functions as part of a verb phrase indicating that something has been increased, intensified, or combined. Ludwig AI provides examples showing how it modifies nouns and describes a state or condition, consistent with its role as a past participle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compounded" is a grammatically correct verb form that functions to describe how a situation has been intensified or made worse by additional factors. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples showcasing its use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and is frequently found in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist. When using "compounded", ensure clarity by specifying what elements are being combined or what situation is being exacerbated, avoiding vague applications of the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggravated

Focuses on worsening a situation, often implying a negative impact.

exacerbated

Similar to aggravated, but often used in more formal or technical contexts.

intensified

Highlights the increase in strength or degree of something.

worsened

Indicates a decline in quality or condition.

magnified

Emphasizes the increase in size or importance.

augmented

Suggests an addition or enhancement to something.

combined

Highlights the act of bringing multiple things together.

increased

A general term for a rise in quantity or degree.

accumulated

Emphasizes the gradual gathering of something over time.

multiplied

Implies a rapid increase in number or amount.

FAQs

How can I use "compounded" in a sentence?

You can use "compounded" to describe how a situation is made worse by additional factors. For example, "The economic crisis was "compounded" by the pandemic."

What are some synonyms for "compounded"?

Alternatives to "compounded" include "aggravated", "exacerbated", or "intensified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the problem was compounded on"?

While you might hear "compounded on" occasionally, it's more standard to say "the problem was compounded by" followed by the factor that worsened the situation.

What's the difference between "compounded" and "complicated"?

"Compounded" suggests an increase in severity or extent, while "complicated" implies an increase in complexity. For example, a problem can be "compounded" by new issues or simply become more "complicated" due to its inherent nature.