Chronic: meaning, definitions and examples

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chronic

[ˈkrɒnɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

medical

Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring. Chronic conditions often require ongoing medical treatment.

Synonyms

long-lasting, persistent, prolonged.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chronic	Used to describe something, especially a disease or problem, that continues for a long time and is often difficult to solve or treat. It can also imply that something is constantly recurring or difficult to eradicate. She suffers from chronic pain The chronic shortage of nurses is causing problems in the hospital
persistent	Often used to describe something that continues to exist or occur over a prolonged period of time, despite efforts to stop it. This can apply to both positive and negative situations, but often has a slightly negative connotation. He has a persistent cough that won't go away Her persistent efforts finally paid off and she got the job
long-lasting	This term is used to emphasize the duration of something, often implying that it endures significantly longer than usual or expected. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts. The long-lasting effects of the policy changes are still being felt today This perfume is known for its long-lasting fragrance
prolonged	Typically used to describe something that has been extended in duration beyond what is usual or expected. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an undesirable length of time. After a prolonged illness, he finally started to recover The meeting turned into a prolonged debate that lasted hours

Examples of usage

She has been suffering from chronic back pain for years.
His chronic cough is a result of smoking.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

informal

Used to describe a negative situation or behavior that is long-lasting or recurring. Chronic lateness is unacceptable in this company.

Synonyms

constant, habitual, recurring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chronic	Used to describe something that is long-term or persistent, often in the context of a health condition. He suffers from chronic back pain. Chronic diseases require ongoing management.
constant	Refers to something that is unchanging or continual over a period of time. She has been in constant pain since the accident. There is constant noise from the construction site.
recurring	Used to indicate something that happens repeatedly at intervals. She has a recurring dream about flying. Recurring meetings are scheduled for the first Monday of every month.
habitual	Describes actions that are done regularly or as a habit, often with a negative connotation when referring to bad habits. He is a habitual liar. Her habitual lateness is starting to annoy the boss.

Examples of usage

His chronic procrastination is hindering his success.
The team has a chronic lack of communication.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'chronikos', meaning 'of time', emphasizing duration.
It entered the English language in the 16th century, originally connected to time-related contexts.
In Latin, 'chronica' referred to a historical record, highlighting the idea of long-lasting events.

Health and Medicine

Chronic conditions, like diabetes or arthritis, affect millions worldwide and require continuous management.
Unlike acute conditions that come on suddenly and are severe, chronic issues develop slowly and last for years.
The World Health Organization states chronic diseases are the leading cause of death globally.

Psychology

Chronic stress can lead to severe mental health issues, demonstrating the long-lasting impact of continuous pressure.
Mental health disorders like depression can also be characterized as chronic, affecting an individual over time.
Long-term exposure to negative environments can lead to chronic feelings of anxiety or distress.

Literature

Several literary works explore themes of chronic struggle, reflecting the human condition's endurance.
Chronicling daily life in diaries has been a powerful literary form, often revealing prolonged emotional experiences.
Authors use chronic conditions as metaphors, demonstrating that some battles are lifelong and deeply formative.

Pop Culture

Television shows and movies often depict chronic illness, raising awareness about the challenges faced by those affected.
Songs sometimes explore themes of chronic heartbreak or longing, resonating with audiences on a deeper emotional level.
Social media has become a platform for individuals to share their chronic experiences, building communities of support.

Translations

Translations of the word "chronic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crônico

🇮🇳 पुरानी

🇩🇪 chronisch

🇮🇩 kronis

🇺🇦 хронічний

🇵🇱 przewlekły

🇯🇵 慢性

🇫🇷 chronique

🇪🇸 crónico

🇹🇷 kronik

🇰🇷 만성의

🇸🇦 مزمن

🇨🇿 chronický

🇸🇰 chronický

🇨🇳 慢性

🇸🇮 kroničen

🇮🇸 langvinnur

🇰🇿 созылмалы

🇬🇪 ქრონიკული

🇦🇿 xronik

🇲🇽 crónico

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,980, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2977 undertaken
2978 nervous
2979 possessed
2980 chronic
2981 comfort
2982 linked
2983 citizen
...