acute

USAGE SUMMARY

"acute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is very sharp, intense, or severe. For example, "The cold winter air was so acute it was almost unbearable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The strain is likely to grow more acute as the government depends on helicopter gunships to extend its reach to parts of the country rendered impassable to logistics convoys and even armored vehicles by the rebels' improvised bombs.

The New York Times

The problem is particularly acute in New Jersey.

The New York Times - Science

Durst's lawyers expressed concern mostly about ease of access to their client, although they also told the court they did not believe their client suffered from "an acute mental illness", according to the court filings.

The Guardian

At 11.30pm Democratic Unionists had 20 seats, Sinn Féin 13, Ulster Unionists 12, SDLP three, Progressive Unionists one, Alliance party one, and Dr Kieran Deeny, an independent campaigning to keep acute hospital services in Omagh, topped the poll in West Tyrone.

The Guardian

In the year since the resignation of Progressive Unionist party leader Dawn Purvis, it has become depressingly clear among acute observers of Belfast's loyalist communities that the loyalist paramilitary UVF has been purposefully ratcheting up tensions among its youthful foot soldiers to show some muscle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gricelda and Domitilia are both malnourished – Domitilia from severe acute malnutrition known as kwashiorkor, and Gricelda from chronic malnutrition.

The Guardian

Nikos Kotzias, the new Greek foreign minister, said Greece wanted to "prevent a rift" between Russia and the EU, although both sides have been in acute conflict for the past 10 months over Moscow's assault on Ukraine.

The Guardian

All four of the movement's co-founders stand out in a society with acute gender disparity.

The Guardian

They were firmly back where they started out before his employment: mired in mid-table inconsistency and in acute danger of getting knocked out in the Champions League group stage for the first time in nine years.

The Guardian - Sport

With the strain on acute hospitals – be it in overstretched A&E units, cancelled operations, bed blockers or hospital-acquired infections, top of the wish list for many will be telehealth and telecare.

The Guardian

The final report from the Independent Panel on Forestry, for example, illustrates the build-up of diseases such as Asian longhorn beetle in broadleaved trees, Cryphonectria parasitica on sweet chestnut, oak processionary moth, acute oak decline, and other fungal diseases on a range of trees.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical condition, use "acute" to specify a short-term, rapidly developing illness as opposed to a chronic one.

Common error

Avoid using "acute" when you actually mean "severe". "Acute" describes the duration and onset of a condition, while "severe" describes its intensity or seriousness. An illness can be both, but they aren't interchangeable.

Linguistic Context

The word "acute" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state, condition, or sensation. As supported by Ludwig, "acute" can describe something that is very sharp, intense, or severe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acute" is a versatile adjective used to describe something intense, sharp, or of sudden onset. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Primarily found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, "acute" often signifies a condition's severity or a situation's urgency. While synonyms like "severe" and "intense" exist, "acute" specifically highlights the rapid development or sharpness, making it distinct. To effectively use "acute", differentiate it from "severe" and remember it describes duration and onset rather than just intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe

Implies a greater degree of intensity or gravity than "acute".

intense

Focuses on the strength of a feeling or sensation, rather than the urgency or sharpness of a situation.

critical

Highlights the importance and potential danger of a situation.

urgent

Emphasizes the need for immediate action or attention.

sharp

Refers to a precise or keen perception, or a sudden and marked change.

heightened

Suggests an elevated level of awareness or sensitivity.

exacerbated

Indicates that something is made worse or more severe.

pronounced

Highlights the distinctiveness or obviousness of something.

heightened awareness

Focuses specifically on an increased state of perceptiveness.

increased sensitivity

Relates to a greater responsiveness to stimuli.

FAQs

How is "acute" used in medical contexts?

In medicine, "acute" refers to a condition that is of short duration and sudden onset, such as an "acute infection" or "acute pain". This contrasts with chronic conditions, which are long-lasting.

What's the difference between "acute" and "chronic"?

"Acute" describes conditions that develop rapidly and last a short time, while "chronic" refers to long-lasting or recurring conditions. For example, an "acute illness" comes on quickly, but a "chronic disease" persists over time.

Which words are similar to "acute" in meaning?

Words similar to "acute" include "intense", "urgent", and "critical depending" on the specific context. These words convey a sense of heightened importance or intensity.

How can I use "acute" effectively in my writing?

Use "acute" to emphasize the suddenness or sharpness of a condition or situation. For example, describing an "acute shortage" highlights the immediacy and severity of the lack, distinct from a general shortage.