worsen consequences

[ˈwɜːrsən ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz]
verb phrase
agravar as consequências
1. to make the results or effects of something negative become more severe or serious
Ignoring the problem will only worsen consequences for everyone involved.
Ignorar o problema só vai agravar as consequências para todos os envolvidos.
2. to intensify negative outcomes or repercussions of an action or situation
The delayed response will worsen consequences of the crisis.
A resposta atrasada vai agravar as consequências da crise.
In Brazilian Portuguese business and legal contexts, 'agravar as consequências' is the preferred formal expression, while 'piorar' is more conversational. In Portugal, 'agravar' is predominantly used in formal written communication. Both cultures use this phrase when discussing legal ramifications, health outcomes, or serious situations requiring formal tone.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
aggravate consequencesintensify repercussionscompound problemsexacerbate outcomesdeteriorate results
Antonyms / Antônimos
mitigate consequencesimprove outcomesreduce repercussionslessen impactalleviate effects

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
agravar as consequências
standard and most common usage
São Paulo
piorar as consequências
alternative, slightly more colloquial
Rio de Janeiro
agravar os efeitos
variant emphasizing effects rather than consequences
Portugal
agravar as consequências
same as Brazilian Portuguese, formal register

Related Words

consequenceworsendeteriorateaggravaterepercussionoutcome

Related Idioms & Phrases

add fuel to the fire - agravar a situação
make matters worse - piorar as coisas
pour oil on troubled waters (antonym) - acalmar as águas
open a can of worms - abrir uma caixa de Pandora
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