# chronic

/ˈkɹɑnɪk/ (US) · /kɹˈɒnɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chronic
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. long-lasting

adjective · CEFR B2

continuing for a long time or happening again and again.

For teachers: persisting over a long period of time or constantly recurring. Often used to describe medical conditions or systemic social problems.

- My grandfather suffers from chronic back pain that makes it hard for him to walk.
- The region faces a chronic shortage of clean water, a crisis that has been exacerbated by several years of record-breaking drought.

### 2. habitual

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

doing something bad as a habit that is hard to stop.

For teachers: inveterate or habitual in behavior, typically regarding a negative trait or condition.

- He is a chronic liar who cannot be trusted even with small details.
- The department was plagued by chronic underperformance, largely due to a lack of clear leadership and accountability.

### 3. very bad

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal

of very poor quality; terrible.

For teachers: extremely bad, intense, or of poor quality.

- The service at that restaurant was absolutely chronic, so we left without eating.
- The weather during our holiday was chronic, with relentless rain and wind that kept us indoors for the entire week.

## Examples

- He suffers from chronic back pain.
- The hospital opened a new wing specifically for patients dealing with chronic respiratory illnesses that require long-term care.
- The city's chronic housing shortage has led to a significant increase in rental prices, forcing many long-term residents to move to the outskirts in search of affordable living arrangements.

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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.