# allergic

/əˈɫɝdʒɪk/ (US) · /ɐlˈɜːdʒɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/allergic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. medical reaction

adjective · CEFR B1

having a bad physical reaction to things like nuts, cats, or pollen.

For teachers: having a medical condition that causes a hypersensitive immune response to specific substances.

- I am allergic to peanuts, so I have to check food labels carefully.
- Patients who are allergic to penicillin must be identified immediately to ensure that alternative antibiotics are prescribed during treatment.

### 2. strong dislike

adjective · CEFR B2 · Humorous · Informal

you use this to say you really hate or want to avoid something.

For teachers: expressing a strong aversion or antipathy toward something. Figurative use often intended to be humorous.

- My brother is allergic to hard work and always finds an excuse to rest.
- The CEO seemed allergic to criticism, often dismissing valid concerns from the board as mere pessimism.

### 3. a person with allergies

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a person who suffers from an allergy.

For teachers: an individual who experiences allergic reactions. This nominal use is less frequent than the adjectival form.

- The new air filter is designed specifically for allergics who struggle in the spring.
- The study monitored a group of allergics to determine if long-term exposure to the allergen could eventually induce a degree of tolerance.

## Examples

- I am allergic to cats, so I can't visit your house.
- The restaurant staff must be careful because some customers are severely allergic to peanuts and shellfish.
- While the patient is medically allergic to penicillin, he also claims to be allergic to hard work, much to the amusement of the nursing staff.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.