B2noun1K

Crisis

UK /["/ˈkraɪsɪs/","/ˈkraɪsiːz/"]/US /["/ˈkraɪsɪs/","/ˈkraɪsiːz/"]/

Definition

a time of great danger, difficulty or doubt when problems must be solved or important decisions must be made

In simple words: A difficult or dangerous situation that needs urgent attention.

Examples

  • The country faced a severe economic crisis that left many people unemployed.
  • During a personal crisis, it's important to seek support from friends and family.
  • The environmental crisis is a pressing issue that we all need to address.
  • The company implemented new strategies to navigate through the crisis successfully.
  • He experienced a midlife crisis and decided to change careers.

Usage notes

Use 'crisis' to describe serious situations, such as economic or health problems. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts but may seem overly dramatic in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'crisis' as a 'cry' for help in a 'siss'y situation.

Collocations

  • acute
  • grave
  • major
  • be faced with
  • be hit by
  • experience
  • arise
  • erupt
  • hit
  • point
  • situation
  • intervention
  • during a/​the crisis
  • in (a/​the) crisis
  • crisis in
  • a crisis of confidence
  • a crisis of faith
  • a crisis of conscience
  • acute
  • grave
  • major
  • be faced with
  • be hit by
  • experience
  • arise
  • erupt
  • hit
  • point
  • situation
  • intervention
  • during a/​the crisis
  • in (a/​the) crisis
  • crisis in
  • a crisis of confidence
  • a crisis of faith
  • a crisis of conscience

Synonyms

  • emergency
  • disaster
  • catastrophe
  • trouble
  • predicament

Antonyms

  • stability
  • calm
  • normalcy

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'critical' or 'urgent' — these have different meanings.
  • Using 'crisis' in a non-serious situation — it should be reserved for significant issues.
  • Incorrect pluralization — 'crises' is the correct plural form.