chronic
word
/ˈkɹɑnɪk/
KRAH-nik
/kɹˈɒnɪk/
KRO-nik
Definition
Describes something, especially an illness or problem, that lasts for a long time or happens again and again. It is often used for health conditions but can also describe bad habits or other ongoing issues.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and medical; commonly pairs with 'disease', 'illness', 'pain', 'condition', or 'problem'. Implies long duration, not intensity. Not used for short or one-time issues.
Spanish: crónico - crónica (enfermedad)Portuguese (BR): crônico - crônica (doença)Portuguese (PT): crónico - crónica (doença)Chinese (Simplified): 慢性的Chinese (Traditional): 慢性的Hindi: दीर्घकालिकArabic: مزمنBengali: দীর্ঘস্থায়ী - দীর্ঘকালীনRussian: хроническийJapanese: 慢性（まんせい）Vietnamese: mãn tính - kinh niênKorean: 만성적인Turkish: kronik - sürekli (sağlık için)Urdu: مزمنIndonesian: kronis
Example Sentences
I'm tired of my chronic lack of sleep lately.
natural
His chronic lateness drives everyone crazy.
natural
Doctors warn that smoking can lead to chronic health problems.
natural
He suffers from chronic back pain.
basic
Asthma is a chronic disease.
basic
She has a chronic problem with her knee.
basic