is compounded by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is compounded by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where multiple factors are making a certain issue more difficult or problematic. For example, "The challenge of meeting this deadline is compounded by the limited number of resources available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Thus intellectual dishonesty is compounded by cowardice.

The New York Times

The damage is compounded by Broomfield's civility.

The Guardian - Film

This is compounded by looming energy challenges.

The Guardian

Its oddness is compounded by Jackson's voice.

The Guardian - Music

This is compounded by complex psychological trauma.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem is compounded by fraud.

The New York Times

The problem is compounded by industry resistance.

The New Yorker

The danger is compounded by Libya's tribalism.

The New York Times

The problem is compounded by the collapse in academic publishing.

The Guardian

The beauty of Hydra is compounded by its cultural traditions.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The difficulties were compounded by distance.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is compounded by", ensure that the elements being combined genuinely worsen the initial situation. Clarity in expressing this relationship will strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is compounded by" when the additional factor actually mitigates the problem, or is neutral rather than negative. The phrase implies a worsening effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is compounded by" functions as a linking verb construction indicating that a situation or problem is made worse by an additional factor. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to express the negative impact of combined elements. It highlights a cause-and-effect relationship where the initial issue is intensified.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is compounded by" is a valuable tool for expressing how additional factors exacerbate an existing problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples highlight its prevalence in news, science, and formal business writing. When using the phrase, ensure the added element genuinely worsens the situation. While versatile, be mindful of the connotation to avoid misuse. Remember that while alternatives exist, "is compounded by" is often the most precise way to convey the specific nuance of an intensifying factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is worsened by

Emphasizes the negative impact or deterioration caused by the additional factor.

is aggravated by

Highlights the intensification of an already negative situation.

is exacerbated by

A more formal alternative, indicating that something is made more severe.

is intensified by

Focuses on the increase in strength or degree of the situation.

is magnified by

Suggests that the effect of the original issue is amplified.

is amplified by

Similar to 'magnified', but can also imply a broader impact.

is made worse by

A simpler and more direct way of expressing that something is getting worse.

is complicated by

Highlights the added complexity resulting from the additional factor.

is heightened by

Focuses on the increase in intensity or degree of a feeling or situation.

is supplemented by

Suggests that something is added to complete or enhance the original issue, although it may not always carry a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "is compounded by" in a sentence?

Use "is compounded by" to show how an existing problem is made worse by an additional factor. For example, "The difficulty of the task is compounded by a lack of resources".

What are some alternatives to saying "is compounded by"?

You can use alternatives like "is worsened by", "is aggravated by", or "is exacerbated by" depending on the context.

Is "is compounded by" formal or informal?

"Is compounded by" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. Alternatives like "is made worse by" may be more appropriate for informal writing.

What's the difference between "is compounded by" and "is caused by"?

"Is compounded by" indicates that something worsens an existing situation, while "is caused by" indicates the origin or reason for a situation. They are not interchangeable.