acute
adjective B2
Plain meaning
very serious, intense, or needing urgent attention
Exam-register meaning
severe, sharp, or critical in degree, often used for problems, pain, or shortages
In context
naturalThere is an acute shortage of good hostels near the campus.
examSeveral regions face acute water scarcity due to rapid urbanisation and poor resource management.
Common collocations
acute shortageacute painacute problem
Watch out
Do not confuse “acute” with “accurate.” Acute means severe/sharp; accurate means correct.
Word family
acute (adjective)acutely (adverb)