B1adjective3K

Alcoholic

UK /["/ˌælkəˈhɒlɪk/"]/US /["/ˌælkəˈhɑːlɪk/"]/

Definition

connected with or containing alcohol

In simple words: A person who drinks too much alcohol and cannot control it.

Examples

  • **alcoholic drinks/beverages**
  • The fruit juice tasted slightly alcoholic.
  • The guests left in an alcoholic haze.
  • their alcoholic daughter

Usage notes

Use 'alcoholic' in formal and neutral contexts to describe someone with an addiction to alcohol. Avoid it in casual conversations to prevent sounding judgmental.

Grammar pattern

alcoholic + subject

Memory hint

Sounds like 'al-co-holic' — picture someone who can't stop drinking just like a 'holic' can't stop their favorite activity.

Collocations

  • recovering alcoholic
  • alcoholic beverage
  • alcoholic drinks
  • problematic alcoholic
  • alcoholic syndrome

Synonyms

  • drunkard
  • wino
  • lush
  • souse
  • boozehound

Antonyms

  • moderate drinker
  • teetotaler

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'alcoholic' with 'social drinker'.
  • Using 'alcoholic' to describe occasional drinkers.