exacerbation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'exacerbation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an increase in the severity of something, usually a situation or problem. For example, "The recent political unrest in the country has led to an exacerbation of the already-existing economic crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another is the exacerbation of social tensions in what is a perilously unequal country.As with all wars, the starkest toll of Chechnya's are the dead, who as well as the slaughtered Chechens officially include around 10,000 federal troops, and unofficially many more.

The Economist

Too many wealthy Colombians still delude themselves that the paramilitaries represent a solution rather than an exacerbation of the problem.

The Economist

Although it is not a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, as a temporary measure cortisone can often control the acute exacerbation caused by the disease and can provide relief in other conditions, such as acute rheumatic fever, certain kidney diseases, certain serious diseases of the skin, and some allergic conditions, including acute exacerbations of asthma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scholars ascribe the exacerbation of enmity in the restoration period variously to the Samaritans' being excluded from participating in the rebuilding of the Temple; to Nehemiah's rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem (regarded as a threatening act by the Samaritan authorities); or to the proscriptions of intermarriage by Ezra.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, their governance is a key issue and calls for renewed interest on the part of citizens and the political sphere in order to avoid the exacerbation of social and racial tensions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The UN designated the year 2006 as the International Year of Deserts and Desertification, and the effect of climate change on desert wildlife and biodiversity and the exacerbation of desertification received special attention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Symptoms may occur in alternating cycles of remission and exacerbation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Michael had scans that confirmed his current lower-back injury is an exacerbation of previous issues he has had with his spine.

Independent

"People who are suffering from asthma are sensitive, they might see an exacerbation of their condition, but pollution affects the whole population," he added.

Independent

As Labour's Appropriate Adult, she's the one who gets dragged out to straighten out whatever unholy mess they've found themselves in and you can tell by the faint whiff of exacerbation that it's got to her over time.

Independent

"The beneficial effects of laughter on preventing the exacerbation of diabetic nephropathy are strongly suggested," say the researchers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exacerbation" to describe the increase in severity of a chronic condition or recurring problem. For example, "The patient experienced an exacerbation of their asthma symptoms."

Common error

Avoid using "exacerbation" interchangeably with terms like "aggravation" or "irritation" when referring to medical conditions; "exacerbation" specifically denotes a worsening of symptoms or disease.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exacerbation" is that of a noun, typically used as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples confirm its common use to describe the increase in the severity of a condition or situation, such as a disease or conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exacerbation" is a noun that refers to the increase in the severity of something, typically a disease, problem, or negative situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, predominantly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. It carries a formal tone, best suited for precise and objective communication. When using "exacerbation", remember that it specifically indicates a worsening, unlike general terms like "aggravation". Alternatives include "aggravation", "worsening", or "intensification", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of its formal register and avoid using it in overly casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggravation

Indicates a worsening, but often implies annoyance or irritation in addition to increased severity.

intensification

Focuses on the increase in strength or degree of something, highlighting the escalating nature of the situation.

worsening

A general term for something becoming worse, lacking the formal or clinical tone of "exacerbation".

escalation

Implies a rapid or dramatic increase, often in the context of conflict or tension.

heightening

Suggests an increase in intensity or degree, often referring to emotions or sensations.

deterioration

Focuses on the decline in quality or condition, emphasizing the negative aspects of the change.

intensified state

Describes a state of increased intensity, applicable to various situations or conditions.

increased severity

Directly refers to the rise in seriousness or intensity of a problem or condition.

upsurge

Suggests a sudden and significant increase, often related to trends or occurrences.

sharpening

Indicates a more acute or distinct manifestation of a problem or conflict.

FAQs

How to use "exacerbation" in a sentence?

You can use "exacerbation" to describe the worsening of a condition. For instance, "The flu season led to an exacerbation of respiratory illnesses".

What can I say instead of "exacerbation"?

Alternatives to "exacerbation" include "aggravation", "worsening", or "intensification", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "exacerbation" or "aggravation"?

While both "exacerbation" and "aggravation" imply a worsening, "exacerbation" is often used in medical or formal contexts, whereas "aggravation" can be more general.

What's the difference between "exacerbation" and "deterioration"?

"Exacerbation" often refers to a temporary increase in the severity of symptoms, while "deterioration" suggests a more gradual and persistent decline.