What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exacerbation
Example
The patient's asthma exacerbation required immediate medical attention. [exacerbation: noun]
Example
The conflict between the two countries led to an exacerbation of tensions. [exacerbation: noun]
deterioration
Example
The patient's health showed signs of deterioration after the surgery. [deterioration: noun]
Example
The company's financial situation continued to show deterioration over the past year. [deterioration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deterioration is more commonly used than exacerbation in everyday language. Deterioration is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while exacerbation is more specific and often used in medical or health-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exacerbation and deterioration?
Both exacerbation and deterioration are formal words that are commonly used in technical or medical writing. However, deterioration can also be used in more informal contexts, while exacerbation is less commonly used outside of medical contexts.
