Meaning & Definition of word "Crisis"

Crisis

/ˈkraɪsɪs/

noun:

  • 1. A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.
    • Example: The country faced an economic crisis due to soaring inflation rates.
  • 2. A turning point in a situation, especially one with a negative outcome.
    • Example: The crisis in management led to a significant drop in employee morale.
  • 3. An unstable condition or situation that may lead to a change.
    • Example: The environmental crisis demands immediate action from global leaders.
  • 4. A critical situation that requires urgent attention.
    • Example: The healthcare system is under crisis as hospitals struggle to cope with the influx of patients.

Etymology

From Greek 'krisis', meaning 'decision' or 'judgment'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

identity crisis:

A period of uncertainty and confusion in which a person's sense of self becomes insecure.

midlife crisis:

A period of emotional turmoil in middle age characterized often by a sense of unfulfillment.

financial crisis:

A situation in which the value of financial institutions or assets drops rapidly.

crisis management:

The process by which an organization deals with a disruptive and unexpected event.

Related Words

emergency:

A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.

disruption:

Disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process.

aftermath:

The consequences or aftereffects of an event, especially a disastrous one.

Slang Meanings of crisis

Meaning: Quarter-life crisis

Example Sentence: When you suddenly feel lost in your twenties, you could be having a quarter-life crisis.

Meaning: Existential crisis

Example Sentence: After losing his job, he started questioning the meaning of life, having an existential crisis.