Word
alcoholism
Phoneticsal·co·holism
US/ˈæɫkəˌhɔˌɫɪzəm/
UK/ˈælkəhˌəʊlɪzəm/
Definitions
01addiction to alcohol
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine
n. a disease where someone is addicted to alcohol and cannot control how much they drink.
n. a chronic disorder involving a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, often resulting in health and social deterioration.
“He sought help from a support group to recover from his alcoholism.”
“The clinic specialises in treating alcoholism through a combination of medical detoxification and long-term psychological support.”
Usage
This noun is uncountable and does not take a plural form.
Teaching tip
While 'alcoholism' is the standard term, modern medical contexts often prefer 'alcohol use disorder' (AUD) for a more clinical description.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02alcohol poisoning
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical · Formal
n. a dangerous condition caused by drinking too much alcohol in a very short time.
n. the physiological state of acute alcohol poisoning resulting from excessive intake over a short duration.
Español:alcoholismo
“The student was rushed to the hospital suffering from acute alcoholism after the party.”
“The emergency room physician noted that the patient's symptoms were consistent with acute alcoholism rather than a chronic condition.”
Usage
Usually appears with the adjective 'acute' to distinguish it from the chronic disease.
Teaching tip
This sense is rare in everyday English; most people use 'alcohol poisoning' for this specific situation.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“But he died in 2013, aged 39, after years of alcoholism.” “If the paintings are hit and miss, the drawings from this period reveal that, even hindered by alcoholism and a chaotic personal life, De Kooning could always rely on his line.” “This is particularly true for people who have a family history of alcoholism – the earlier they start, the greater their chances of developing a drinking problem themselves.” Etymology
From alcohol + -ism. Derived from New Latin alcoholismus chronicus, coined by the Swedish professor of medicine Magnus Huss in 1849.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/alcoholism
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0