alcoholism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “alcoholism” mean?
An addiction to the consumption of alcoholic drink.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An addiction to the consumption of alcoholic drink; alcohol dependency.
A chronic medical and psychological disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. The term also encompasses the complex of symptoms and behaviours associated with this dependency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of a serious medical condition and social problem in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in public health discourse, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “alcoholism” in a Sentence
suffer from alcoholismstruggle with alcoholismbe diagnosed with alcoholismtreat (someone) for alcoholisma history of alcoholism (in the family)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alcoholism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The noun 'alcoholism' has no verb form. Related verb: 'to alcoholise' is obsolete/technical.
American English
- The noun 'alcoholism' has no verb form. Related verb: 'to alcoholize' is obsolete/technical.
adverb
British English
- The noun 'alcoholism' has no adverb form. Related adverb: 'alcoholically' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- The noun 'alcoholism' has no adverb form. Related adverb: 'alcoholically' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- The related adjective is 'alcoholic', as in 'alcoholic liver disease'.
- His behaviour was indicative of an alcoholic dependency.
American English
- The related adjective is 'alcoholic', as in 'alcoholic beverage'.
- She sought help for alcoholic tendencies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used in HR contexts regarding employee assistance programs or health insurance coverage.
Academic
Common in medical, psychological, sociological, and public health research and literature.
Everyday
Common in discussions about health, family issues, and social problems.
Technical
The preferred clinical term is often 'Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)' as per DSM-5, but 'alcoholism' remains widely understood.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alcoholism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alcoholism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alcoholism”
- Using 'alcoholism' to refer to a single instance of drunkenness (incorrect). It is a chronic condition.
- Confusing 'alcoholism' with 'alcoholic' (the person). 'Alcoholism' is the illness; 'an alcoholic' is a person with the illness.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Alcoholism' is the name of the medical condition or disorder. An 'alcoholic' is a person who suffers from alcoholism.
No. 'Alcoholism' implies a chronic dependency and loss of control. For occasional heavy drinking, terms like 'binge drinking' or 'problem drinking' are more appropriate.
Yes, in most medical models, alcoholism (or Alcohol Use Disorder) is classified as a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control, and a negative emotional state when not using.
Traditionally, 'alcohol abuse' referred to harmful use without physical dependence, while 'alcoholism' included dependence. In modern diagnostics (DSM-5), both are encompassed within the spectrum of 'Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)' with varying severity.
An addiction to the consumption of alcoholic drink.
Alcoholism is usually neutral to formal in register.
Alcoholism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈælkəhɒlɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælkəhɔːlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Idioms are not commonly formed around this clinical term. Related phrases include 'on the wagon' (abstaining) and 'falling off the wagon' (relapsing).]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALCOHOL-ISM' – the 'ISM' makes it a condition or state, like a system of dependency on alcohol.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often framed as a BATTLE or DISEASE ('fight against alcoholism', 'struggling with the disease of alcoholism').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate clinical synonym for 'alcoholism' in modern diagnostic manuals?