Aggravate: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used to describe making a situation worse or increasing the severity of something negative, often relating to problems or conditions.

• Scratching the rash will only aggravate it.
• His lies aggravated the already tense situation.

Often used for things that cause a physical or emotional discomfort. It implies a continuous and bothersome feeling.

• Wearing wool can irritate your skin.
• The constant humming noise irritates me.

Usually used to describe actions that deliberately cause a strong emotional response, particularly anger or annoyance.

• He was trying to provoke a reaction from her.
• The rude comment provoked an outburst from the audience.

Used when someone or something causes mild irritation or bothers someone to a lesser degree. It does not usually imply something extremely severe.

• The loud music from the neighbors starts to annoy me.
• Repeatedly clicking a pen can annoy people around you.

Describes actions or situations that cause intense irritation and frustration, often leading to anger. It is usually more intense than merely annoying.

• Her constant lateness exasperates her colleagues.
• The long delay at the airport exasperated the passengers.

Use when talking about making a situation or condition worse, often through irritation or annoyance. It can refer to both physical conditions and emotional states, and sometimes it carries a negative tone.

• The loud construction noise aggravated her headache.
• His constant complaints aggravated the whole team.

Use in more formal or serious contexts when describing actions or factors that make a problematic situation or condition significantly worse. This word often appears in medical, economic, or environmental issues.

• His refusal to take medicine exacerbated his illness.
• Climate change exacerbates natural disasters.

Use when simply referring to a situation or condition becoming worse. This word is neutral and straightforward, without the additional connotations of irritation or complexity.

• Her symptoms began to worsen over time.
• The relationship between the two countries worsened after the incident.

Use when referring to making a situation more difficult or complex, often through adding additional elements or factors. It does not necessarily have a negative connotation but highlights an increase in difficulty.

• Introducing new rules will complicate the project timeline.
• Her unexpected visit complicated our plans for the evening.