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.

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

Others worry about the invasiveness of a colonoscopy and undergoing anesthesia or are too sick with a chronic disease to be sedated.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

“Now I talk to more people about chronic pain,” she said, “and if something doesn’t go the way I hoped, I just, quietly to myself, say ‘Ta Da!’”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

"There has been a serious and ongoing failure of workforce planning, leading to a chronic shortage of clinical midwives."

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

They interpreted their slapdash working conditions, created by chronic underfunding by the AEC, as an ominous sign that the agency’s commitment to Livermore remained conditional.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Vocabulary lists containing chronic

List 2

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It's About Time: Chron and Temp

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100 SAT words Beginning with "C"

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