# SBS

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sbs
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. British military unit

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Technical

Stands for Special Boat Service. This is an elite group of soldiers in the British Royal Marines who are trained for difficult missions at sea.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Special Boat Service. A maritime special forces unit of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy, analogous to the SAS but specialising in amphibious operations.

- He spent five years serving in the SBS before retiring from the military.
- The SBS conducted a series of covert reconnaissance missions along the coastline to prepare for the main landing force.

Usage: Usually preceded by 'the' when referring to the unit.

Teaching tip: In a military context, this almost always refers to the UK unit; learners should not confuse it with the SAS, which is the land-based equivalent.

### 2. Australian broadcaster

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

Stands for Special Broadcasting Service. It is a national television and radio network in Australia that provides news in many languages.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Special Broadcasting Service. A hybrid-funded Australian public broadcasting network with a mandate to provide multilingual and multicultural services.

- I watched a great documentary about world history on SBS last night.
- The SBS charter requires the network to promote diversity and provide programming that reflects Australia's multicultural society.

Teaching tip: This is a household name in Australia, similar to the BBC in the UK.

### 3. medical condition

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Shaken Baby Syndrome. This is a serious brain injury caused by forcefully shaking an infant or toddler.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Shaken Baby Syndrome. A form of non-accidental head injury in infants resulting from violent shaking, often leading to permanent neurological damage.

- The hospital launched a campaign to educate new parents about the dangers of SBS.
- Medical experts testified that the infant's internal injuries were consistent with a diagnosis of SBS rather than an accidental fall.

Usage: Uncountable in a medical context.

Teaching tip: While common in medical and legal discussions, 'Abusive Head Trauma' is increasingly preferred in modern clinical settings.

### 4. environmental health issue

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Sick Building Syndrome. This is when people in a building feel ill or uncomfortable for no clear reason, often due to poor air quality.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Sick Building Syndrome. A condition where building occupants experience acute health or comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building.

- After the office ventilation was fixed, the staff no longer suffered from SBS.
- The investigation into the high rate of employee absenteeism pointed toward SBS caused by inadequate air filtration and chemical off-gassing.

## Examples

- He joined the SBS after serving several years in the Marines.
- The SBS was deployed to secure the offshore oil platforms during the conflict.
- Selection for the SBS is notoriously rigorous, requiring candidates to demonstrate exceptional physical endurance and tactical proficiency in diverse aquatic environments.

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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.