C1adjective2K

Acute

UK /["/əˈkjuːt/"]/US /["/əˈkjuːt/"]/

Definition

very serious or severe

In simple words: Very sharp or strong, often used to describe pain or a keen awareness.

Examples

  • The patient was diagnosed with an acute condition that required immediate attention.
  • She has an acute sense of smell that allows her to detect scents from far away.
  • The team faced an acute shortage of supplies during the emergency.
  • He demonstrated an acute understanding of complex mathematical concepts.
  • The acute angle of the triangle measured less than 90 degrees.

Usage notes

Used to describe intense conditions like pain or observations. It's formal in medical contexts but can also fit in general discussions about awareness.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think 'a cute' animal with sharp features or senses.

Collocations

  • acute pain
  • acute awareness
  • acute angle
  • acute problem
  • acute illness

Synonyms

  • keen

Antonyms

  • dull
  • blunt

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'subacute' which means less intense.
  • Used incorrectly in informal contexts for other meanings like 'sharp' (like a knife).