chronic

[kron-ik] / ˈkrɒn ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

incessant, never-ending

Synonyms

STRONGEST

constant continual continuing continuous deep-rooted deep-seated habitual incurable lifelong lingering persistent protracted recurrent recurring sustained

WEAK

abiding ceaseless confirmed enduring ever-present fixed inborn inbred ineradicable ingrained inveterate lasting long-lived long-standing obstinate perennial persisting prolonged rooted routine settled stubborn tenacious unabating unmitigated unyielding usual

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ceasing ending halting inconstant infrequent intermittent interrupted occasional stopping temporary

WEAK

curable eradicable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A decade or so later, Franklin learned she had chronic kidney disease.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The pooled analysis included 14,574 participants with both diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

Last month, I visited a Hollywood neighborhood where one frustrated resident hired her housekeeper to document chronic problems related to homelessness, illegal dumping and criminal activity.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

The charity said rental housing was a "particularly difficult" area for its clients, along with a "chronic shortage of social housing".

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

“You know, Ed,” Ritchie says after a while, “I used to think I had that chronic fatigue syndrome. ...”

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

Vocabulary lists containing chronic

List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

It's About Time: Chron and Temp

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT words Beginning with "C"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!