crisis

Everyday

1. A crisis is a time of great danger, difficulty or trouble when important decisions must be made. tree →
2. A crisis is a turning point when things will get either much better or much worse. tree →
3. (informal) People jokingly call a small problem a crisis, like a hair crisis. tree →

In the lessons

In the news and in history lessons: an energy crisis, a food crisis, a health crisis. In safety it means an emergency when you need help. In stories it is the most tense moment of the plot. Informally it can be exaggeration. Phrases: in crisis, crisis point, a crisis of confidence, midlife crisis.

Examples

• The town faced a crisis when the river flooded the streets. tree →
• During the water crisis, families had to save every drop. tree →
• The hospital was in crisis because so many people were ill. tree →
• Don't panic — this is not a crisis, it's just a spilled drink! tree →
• The story reaches its crisis when the boat starts to sink. tree →
• In a crisis, stay calm and call 999 or 911. tree →
• Leaders met to solve the crisis. tree →
• Give assistance, not advice, in a crisis. tree →

Note

Plural is irregular: one crisis, two crises (CRY-seez). Countable. Adjective: critical. «Midlife crisis» is an informal phrase about adults who suddenly worry about their age.