chronically
KRON-ik-lee
/ˈkrɒnɪkli/
In a way that continues for a long time or recurs frequently.
Almost always used for negative situations, like illness, poverty, or underfunding.
The story behind the word. From the Greek god Chronos, the personification of time. To be 'chronic' is to be tied to the long, slow passage of time.
Word relationships
- persistently: Persistently implies a strong will or effort, while chronically implies a deep-seated state or condition.
- constantly: Constantly is more general; chronically is more clinical and negative.
- acutely: In medicine, 'acute' means sudden and short-term, the opposite of 'chronic'.
Commonly confused with
- chronologically: Chronologically means in order of time; chronically means persisting over time.
Word family
- chronically (adverb): In a chronic manner.
- chronic (adjective): Persisting for a long time.
- chronicity (noun): The state of being chronic.
Collocations
- chronically ill
- chronically underfunded
- chronically unemployed
- chronically late
Example sentences
- "The local hospital was chronically understaffed, leading to long wait times for patients." A news report on public services.
- "He was chronically late, much to the annoyance of his colleagues." Describing a person's punctuality.
Memory hook
Think of a 'Chronometer' (a watch)—it measures time, and 'chronically' describes things that happen over a long time. Chronically is long-term bad.
When not to use
Do not use for positive things that last a long time; use 'enduringly' or 'persistently' instead.
Fun facts
- In the 17th century, 'chronic' was sometimes used to mean 'recorded in a chronicle' (a history book), but that meaning is now dead.
Related words
Explore more words
chronic, continually, continual, acute, impecunious, long-suffering
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