The phrase ‘compounding problems‘ derives from the verb ‘compound,‘ which has its roots in the Latin word ‘componere,‘ meaning ‘to put together.‘ This Latin term is a combination of ‘com-‘ (together) and ‘ponere‘ (to place or put). Over time, ‘compound‘ evolved in English to signify not only the act of combining elements but also the idea of intensifying or aggravating a situation.

In this context, ‘compounding‘ refers to the act of increasing the complexity or severity of problems through additional layers of issues or difficulties. The word ‘problem,‘ originating from the Latin ‘problematicus,‘ which stems from the Greek ‘proballein‘ (to throw forward or put forth), has long been associated with challenges or difficulties requiring solutions.

Thus, ‘compounding problems‘ essentially denotes the process of adding to existing issues, making them worse or more complex as they interact and escalate.