WordGarden.iocrisis
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /krˈaɪsɪs/
US
- /ˈkraɪsəs/
Meanings
Noun
a serious dangerous or unstable situation that needs urgent action
a period of severe personal emotional distress or instability
a sudden severe episode or turning point in an illness
More meaningsFewer meanings
a decisive turning point when an important change or decision occurs
Beyond the definition
Imagine a ship sailing smoothly until a sudden storm hits—that's a crisis! It is a time of intense difficulty or danger when something needs to change, and quickly. A crisis isn't just any problem; it's a pivotal moment where things could go either way. Think about a medical emergency, a financial collapse, or even a personal turning point like deciding whether to leave a job. The word comes from the Greek "krisis," which originally referred to a "decision" or "judgment." This is because a crisis often forces you to make difficult choices and separate what is essential from what isn't. You might hear about an energy crisis, a political crisis, or even a midlife crisis!
A crisis (plural: crises) is a time of intense difficulty, instability, or danger that threatens significant harm or disruption. It represents a turning point—a critical moment where a decisive change must occur to avoid negative consequences. While we often associate crises with dramatic events like natural disasters or economic downturns ("The country faced an economic crisis after the stock market crash."), the term can also refer to personal struggles and moments of profound challenge ("She was in a personal crisis after losing her job and going through a divorce.").
The severity of a crisis is key. It is more than just a problem; it is a situation that demands immediate attention and often requires significant intervention. A minor inconvenience isn't a crisis, but a life-threatening illness certainly is.
Historically, the word "crisis" stems from the Greek term for "decision" or "judgment," which itself comes from a root meaning "to separate." This origin reflects how crises force us to make difficult choices and prioritize what truly matters. We often talk about managing a crisis—taking steps to mitigate its impact and navigate through it effectively. A skilled leader is often defined by their ability to handle crises with calm and decisiveness.
So, whether it is a global pandemic, a company facing bankruptcy, or an individual grappling with loss, a crisis is a moment of profound challenge that demands action, resilience, and ultimately, change.
Examples
- 1
Business finance
The company is facing a financial crisis after months of falling sales.
- 2
Housing
The government promised more aid as the housing crisis grew worse.
- 3
Personal trouble
She called her brother when she was going through a personal crisis.
- Phrasego through a crisis
experience a very difficult time
- 4
Public health
Doctors are warning of a mental health crisis among teenagers.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Organization trouble
The airline is in crisis after hundreds of flights were canceled.
- Phrasein crisis
in a very difficult or unstable situation
- 6
Conflict prevention
A last-minute agreement helped the two sides avoid a major crisis.
- 7
Public trust
The scandal caused a crisis of confidence in the police.
- Phrasecrisis of confidence
a sudden loss of trust or belief
- 8
Plural form
The school has dealt with several crises this year, including flooding and staff shortages.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- crisisnoun
Forms
- crisespluralnoun