alcoholism
noun
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.
Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence
Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
In court filings, defense lawyer Andrew Hemmer wrote in November 2023 that Matthew Huttle was a journeyman carpenter, whose 20-year struggle with alcoholism fueled many of his past crimes, which included a battery case, multiple DUI busts, and driving as a habitual traffic offender.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
His mother, struggling with alcoholism, often clashed with her own mother, creating a volatile home environment.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
The condition affects almost 30 million people in the U.S., and encompasses what people generally refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence or alcoholism, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
—Annika Kim Constantino,ashley Capoot,bertha Coombs, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholism
Cite this Entry
“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholism. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alcoholism
noun
Medical Definition
alcoholism
noun
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
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