chronic

Rarely chron·i·cal

[kron-ik]

adjective

1. constant; habitual; inveterate.

   a chronic liar.

   Synonyms: hardened, confirmed

2. continuing a long time or recurring frequently.

   a chronic state of civil war.

3. having long had a disease, habit, weakness, or the like.

   a chronic invalid.

4. (of a disease) having long duration (acute ).

noun

1. Slang.,  cronic.

chronic

/ krɒˈnɪsɪtɪ, ˈkrɒnɪk /

adjective

1. continuing for a long time; constantly recurring

2. (of a disease) developing slowly, or of long duration Compare acute

3. inveterate; habitual

   a chronic smoker

4. informal

   1. very bad

      the play was chronic

   2. very serious

      he left her in a chronic condition

chronic

1. Relating to an illness or medical condition that is characterized by long duration or frequent recurrence. Diabetes and hypertension are chronic diseases.

2. Compare acute

Other Word Forms

• chronicity noun
• chronically adverb
• nonchronic adjective
• nonchronical adjective
• subchronic adjective
• subchronical adjective
• unchronic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chronic¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin chronicus, from Greek chronikós, equivalent to chrón(os) “time” + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of chronic¹

C15: from Latin chronicus relating to time, from Greek khronikos, from khronos time

Example Sentences

The paper also noted that women who took acetaminophen while pregnant were, unsurprisingly, more likely to suffer from the kinds of ailments for which the medication is indicated, like fevers or chronic pain.

From Los Angeles Times

I also saw a female residents screaming in distress over male carers doing intimate personal care, due to chronic staff shortages.

From BBC

When parents said their child missed school for an array of reasons, most cited illness and chronic health conditions, which they didn’t generally associate with a problematic absence, according to the report.

From Los Angeles Times

The report authors highlighted inconsistency in the sanctions imposed on doctors, a chronic lack of training for tribunal members and poor support for victims and witnesses.

From BBC

Antibiotics are used to treat the infection, which according to the Cleveland Clinic is curable if diagnosed and treated early but can also lead to chronic or recurring symptoms.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• constant 
• continual 
• continuing www.thesaurus.com
• continuous 
• deep-rooted 
• deep-seated 
• habitual 
• incurable 
• lifelong 
• lingering www.thesaurus.com
• persistent 
• protracted 
• recurrent 
• recurring 
• sustained