Chronic: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

chronic

 

[ ˈkrɒnɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical

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

Synonyms

long-lasting, persistent, prolonged

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

Examples of usage

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

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

Etymology

The word 'chronic' comes from the Greek word 'chronos', meaning time. In medical terminology, it was first used in the 17th century to describe diseases or conditions that develop slowly and persist over a long period. Over time, the informal use of 'chronic' has evolved to describe any negative situation or behavior that is long-lasting or recurring.

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.