alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
-kə-hə-
1
: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks
2
a
: a chronic, a progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

b
: acute alcohol poisoning resulting from the usually rapid consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages

Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence

a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism
Recent Examples on the Web Previous biographers largely painted Wong as a tragic figure, according to Salisbury, overemphasizing rumors about her sexuality, her struggles with alcoholism and her decision to never marry. Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024 Stereotypes suggesting Irish people are prone to alcoholism have a long history, used to justify British rule over Ireland and to fuel anti-immigration sentiments in 19th-century America. Carson Terbush, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 Her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., says in the film that Williams’ issues have been linked to her alcoholism by physicians. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024 Russia faces a shortage of important medications such as insulin, and for the first time in many years, the rate of alcoholism has gone up, a testament to the stress brought on by the country’s abnormality. Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2024 An unexpected guest arrives at the gathering—a man named Fahim, who has been more or less ostracized from the community because of his alcoholism and bad behavior while drunk. Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 His descent into alcoholism, captured by Hollander and director Gus Van Sant with a starkness that recalls Van Sant’s Kurt Cobain film Last Days, plays a crucial role. TIME, 31 Jan. 2024 Usually when a man gets breast cancer, there's some obvious trigger, like a strong family history of cancer or obesity or liver failure from chronic alcoholism, or some sort of environmental or lifestyle or genetic factor. Gillian Telling, Peoplemag, 26 Jan. 2024 There is alcoholism, depression, narcissism, anxiety, sleep deprivation, delusions, sociopathy, corruption, and chronic anger. Budd Shenkin, The Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alcoholism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcoholism was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near alcoholism

Cite this Entry

“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholism. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alcoholism

noun
al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
: continued, uncontrolled, and greater than normal use of alcoholic drinks
also : an abnormal bodily state associated with such use

Medical Definition

alcoholism

noun
al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm, -kə-hə- How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
1
: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks
2
: a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

compare acute alcoholism

More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!