Words / B1

KRYS-is/ˈkraɪsɪs/

A crisis is a serious turning-point that needs action: a cost-of-living crisis; a winter crisis in hospitals. Plural: crises. Emergency is close and more sudden; problem is weaker. Uncountable in crisis talks. Do not call a missed bus a crisis in an exam essay. UK news: energy crisis, housing crisis.

Meaning

A time of serious difficulty or danger when action is needed (plural crises).

Examples

• “Hospitals warned of a winter crisis in emergency care.”
• “Crisis talks ran overnight before the strike was suspended.”

Good to know

a crisis in + area; crisis talks. Plural: crises. Stronger/sudden: emergency. Weaker: problem. Not a small inconvenience.

Near in meaning

emergency

New