Which word represents an action that leads to a negative outcome?

The word that best represents an action leading to a negative outcome is "exacerbate." This term specifically means to make a situation worse or to intensify a problem. For example, if one were to exacerbate a conflict, the situation would become more heated or difficult, leading to further complications or challenges.

In contrast, "rectify" refers to the act of correcting or improving a situation, which is inherently positive. "Condemn" implies a strong disapproval or denouncement but does not directly indicate an action that causes a negative outcome; rather, it reflects a judgment about a situation or behavior. "Provoke" means to stimulate or incite a response, which can result in either positive or negative outcomes depending on the context, but it does not solely imply a negative outcome in the way "exacerbate" does. Thus, "exacerbate" clearly stands out as the action that leads to a negative outcome.