Acute refers to something that is sharp, sudden or severe. It can also describe a condition or situation that is short-lived and intense in nature. In medical terms, acute means happening quickly and being severe but not long lasting.
Usage examples
The patient experienced acute pain in their chest, which was a sign of a possible heart attack.
The meteorologists warned of an acute heatwave, with temperatures reaching record highs.
The student demonstrated their acute understanding of the subject matter by answering every question correctly.
The company faced an acute financial crisis, leading to layoffs and restructuring.
The hiker experienced an acute sense of fear when they encountered a bear on their trail.
The doctor diagnosed the patient with acute bronchitis, prescribing medication and rest for a quick recovery.
The singer's acute vocal range allowed them to hit high notes with precision and clarity.
The country faced an acute shortage of clean water, resulting in a public health emergency.
The child displayed acute symptoms of food poisoning after consuming a contaminated meal.
The driver's acute reflexes helped them avoid a collision with the speeding car.