noun

exacerbation

ig-zas-er-BAY-shun/ɪɡˌzæsərˈbeɪʃn/

A worsening of a problem or medical condition.

The spreading floor damage marks an exacerbation of the leak's effects.

Small leak worsens into spreading floor damage.

Etymology

exLatinperhaps thoroughly, utterly

+acerbLatinharsh, bitter

+ationLatinaction or state

The “harsh, bitter” base gave a verb meaning “irritate or provoke,” with ex- perhaps intensifying it. The noun carries that idea of aggravation into the worsening of an illness, problem, or situation.

In context

GovernmentofBC7:11

Whether COVID-19 is causing respiratory illness or exacerbation of other underlying conditions

COVID-19 Update for February 1, 2022

More examples

Delaying repairs risks an exacerbation of the housing crisis.
He has several exacerbations of his condition each year.
Air pollution can trigger an exacerbation of chronic lung disease.

Forms

exacerbation · exacerbations

exacerbate verb — To make a problem or condition worse.

Similar words

worsening: A more everyday term for a decline in condition.
aggravation: Often stresses an outside factor making an existing problem worse.
flare-up: Emphasizes a sudden episode rather than worsening in general.