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.

“Over the longer term, it creates a kind of chronic instability that makes it extremely difficult to engage in healthcare, maintain treatment, or make progress toward housing,” Henwood said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Chris Baker has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and said it had "been exacerbated by the contaminants in the air".

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

In older mice, that number rose to between 60 and 80%, closely matching the increase in chronic liver inflammation seen with aging.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

For those aging in place with multiple chronic conditions, keeping up with which meds to take when can feel like a full-time job.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

—Some of us children, due to a chronic shortage of buildings, desks, blackboards and benches, would have to be relocated in shacks down by the river.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane

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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