acute suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acute suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe intense or severe pain or distress, often in a medical or emotional context. Example: "The patient was experiencing acute suffering due to the advanced stage of the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The most acute suffering can be psychological.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the German home front, 1944 became a year of acute suffering.

Britannica

It was a time of acute suffering and of the gradual renunciation of everything he thought made him valuable.

The Guardian - Opinion

United Nations aid programs have eased the most acute suffering here, but levels of health, nutrition and education are still nowhere near what they were a decade ago.

The New York Times

These days, that often means speculating in oil and food, which drives up their prices, undermines economic recovery for the mass of Americans, and produces acute suffering around the globe.

The Guardian - Opinion

As faith leaders we have also seen the acute suffering caused by an asylum policy that is forcing people into abject poverty when their asylum claims have been unsuccessful.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"They may have witnessed the death or injury of loved ones and many are suffering acute distress.

Unicef

International aid health programs directed at the poorest play an undoubtedly constructive role in relieving acute human suffering.

Gaceta Sanitaria

Have three weeks of overpowering war by Israel here weakened Hamas as Israel had hoped, or simply caused acute human suffering?

The New York Times

For four and a half years Americans mostly ignored this terrible crisis in the Middle East and the acute human suffering it has caused.

HuffPost

The five-year survival rate after diagnosis for lung cancer is 15%: her job was largely to alleviate its acute associated sufferings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing suffering, consider the specific context. Use "acute suffering" to convey a sense of immediate and intense pain or distress, rather than a chronic condition.

Common error

Avoid using "acute suffering" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler language like "intense pain" or "great distress" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute suffering" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "acute" modifies the noun "suffering". This combination intensifies the meaning of suffering, indicating a severe or intense experience of pain or distress. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acute suffering" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe intense pain or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. It's most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific sources. When writing, consider using it to emphasize the severity of a situation, but be mindful of the register, as it might sound overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like "intense distress" or "severe pain" may be more suitable for informal contexts. Remember to choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the intensity and duration of the suffering you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense distress

Focuses on the emotional or mental anguish associated with the suffering.

severe pain

Highlights the physical discomfort and intensity of the suffering.

extreme agony

Emphasizes the unbearable nature of the suffering.

profound misery

Underscores the depth and extent of unhappiness and distress.

grievous affliction

Focuses on the cause of the suffering, portraying it as a serious burden.

intolerable hardship

Highlights the difficult and unbearable conditions causing the suffering.

unbearable pain

Emphasizes the limit of what can be endured physically or emotionally.

intense anguish

Focuses on the psychological torment and deep sorrow.

excruciating discomfort

Highlights the physical unease and its high degree of intensity.

devastating distress

Emphasizes the overwhelming and destructive nature of the suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "acute suffering" in a sentence?

Use "acute suffering" to describe a state of intense or severe distress. For instance, "The refugees were experiencing "acute suffering" due to the lack of food and water".

What are some alternatives to "acute suffering"?

Alternatives include "intense distress", "severe pain", or "extreme agony". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "acute suffering" or "chronic suffering"?

"Acute suffering" refers to short-term, intense pain, while "chronic suffering" describes long-lasting, persistent pain. Use the term that accurately reflects the duration and nature of the suffering being described.

What's the difference between "acute suffering" and "great discomfort"?

"Acute suffering" implies a higher degree of intensity and distress compared to "great discomfort". Use "acute suffering" when the pain or distress is severe and significantly impacts the individual's well-being.