crisis

American  

[krahy-sis] / ˈkraɪ sɪs /

noun

plural

crises

1. a stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, especially for better or for worse, is determined; turning point.

2. a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change.

3. a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life.

4. Medicine/Medical.

   1. the point in the course of a serious disease at which a decisive change occurs, leading either to recovery or to death.

   2. the change itself.

5. the point in a play or story at which hostile elements are most tensely opposed to each other.

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adjective

1. of, referring to, or for use in dealing with a crisis.

crisis British  

/ ˈkraɪsɪs /

noun

1. a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something, esp in a sequence of events or a disease

2. an unstable period, esp one of extreme trouble or danger in politics, economics, etc

3. pathol a sudden change, for better or worse, in the course of a disease

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Usage

Plural word for crisis The plural form of crisis is crises, pronounced [ krahy-seez ]. The plurals of several other singular words that end in -sis are also formed in the same way, including hypothesis/hypotheses, analysis/analyses, and axis/axes. A similar change is made when pluralizing appendix as appendices. Irregular plurals that are formed like crises derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin and Greek. Do you know: What is the plural of thesis?

Related Words

See emergency.

Other Word Forms

• crisic adjective
• postcrisis adjective

Etymology

Origin of crisis

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin crisis “(medical) crisis,” from Greek krísis “decision, interpretation,” equivalent to kri- variant stem of krīnein “to decide, separate, judge” + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Musk used to talk like he was God’s gift to the environment simply because he acquired the electric vehicle company Tesla, a company now in crisis thanks to his terrible image.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Randy remembers selling Chryslers in the 1970s when the brand was in the midst of its first modern existential threat: the oil crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

"In terms of raw affordability, £4 on your commute a day is not bad - especially in the cost of living crisis."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

It is currently close to the highest level ever recorded, during the financial crisis of 2008-09.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“You know me better than anyone. And if I am having an identity crisis, at least you can help me get a good song out of it.”

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

Related Words

• catastrophe
• change
• confrontation
• crunch
• deadlock
• dilemma
• disaster
• emergency
• impasse
• mess
• pressure
• situation
• trouble