superbug

American  

[soo-per-buhg] / ˈsu pərˌbʌg /

noun

Informal.

1. a pathogenic bacterium that has developed immunity to antibiotics, or an insect that has developed immunity to insecticides.

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superbug British  

/ ˈsuːpəˌbʌɡ /

noun

1. informal an infective microorganism that has become resistant to antibiotics

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Etymology

Origin of superbug

First reported in 1915–20; super- ( def. ) + bug ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The latest findings echo those found previously by the World Health Organization, which attributes superbug development to the overuse of antimicrobials to fight viruses, bacteria and fungi.

From Salon • Sep. 18, 2024

For the first time in half a century, researchers have identified a new antibiotic that appears to kill a deadly, drug-resistant superbug.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2024

Writing in the journal Microbiology, the study's authors say susceptible people working and being treated in clinical settings might be unknowingly placed at risk of contracting the superbug.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2023

Either way, the "superbug" refused to be vanquished, despite years of antibiotic treatment.

From Scientific American • Oct. 13, 2023

Here is everything you need to know about this deadly superbug.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2023