Search Dictionary
Definition of exacerbation

exacerbation

/ɪɡˌzæs.ərˈbeɪ.ʃən/
ex · ac · er · ba · tion
Plural:exacerbations
•
Adjective:exacerbated
JUMP TO:

exacerbation Lexical Profile

exacerbation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act or process of making a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse; an increase in severity.

Example

"The prolonged drought led to a severe exacerbation of food shortages across the region."

2

An acute increase in the severity of a chronic disease, medical condition, or its symptoms.

Example

"Exposure to cold air and pollen can trigger an acute exacerbation of asthma in sensitive patients."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for exacerbation
Antonyms
View all antonyms for exacerbation

• Rhymes for exacerbation

• Nearby Words

ewe
ex
exacerbate
exacerbation
exact
exacting
exactingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Late Latin exacerbatio, from the verb exacerbare ('to irritate, provoke, or make harsh'), formed from ex- ('thoroughly') and acerbus ('bitter, sour, or harsh').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exacerbation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exacerbation
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.