adjective

chronic

/ˈkrɒnɪk/ · say it: KRON·ik

persisting for a long time or constantly recurring

In Medicine & Health

In more detail

1. (adjective) (of a disease or condition) lasting for a long time or recurring repeatedly

2. (adjective) persistent; continuing for a long time

Examples

1. He suffers from chronic back pain that has troubled him for years.
2. The region faces chronic unemployment and economic hardship.

How to use chronic

Chronic describes conditions or problems that develop slowly, persist over an extended period, and are often difficult to resolve. It is used in medical contexts (chronic disease) and figuratively for persistent non-medical problems (chronic unemployment). Unlike acute, which suggests sudden onset and short duration, chronic implies long-standing issues requiring ongoing management.

Common phrases

chronic disease
chronic pain
chronic condition
chronic illness
chronic stress
chronic shortage

Synonyms

persistent · long-term · ongoing · deep-seated · habitual

Opposites

acute · temporary · short-term

Word family

chronically (adverb) · chronicity (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse chronic with acute; acute refers to sudden, severe conditions of short duration, while chronic refers to long-lasting conditions.

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