B2nounformalhealthsociety
US/ˈæl.kə.hɔː.lɪ.zəm/
UK/ˈæl.kə.hɒl.ɪ.zəm/
a serious illness in which a person cannot stop drinking too much alcohol
In context
His alcoholism cost him his job and, in the end, his marriage.
She has been in treatment for alcoholism for almost two years.
Alcoholism often runs in families, but the causes are complex.
Words that go with alcoholism
verb + preposition
- suffer from alcoholismHe suffered from alcoholism for most of his adult life.
- recover from alcoholismIt took him years to recover from alcoholism.
verb + noun
- treat alcoholismThe clinic specializes in treating alcoholism.
- battle alcoholismThe singer has openly battled alcoholism for years.
adjective + noun
- chronic alcoholismChronic alcoholism can damage the liver.
noun + noun
- alcoholism and drug abuseThe charity helps people affected by alcoholism and drug abuse.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is an alcoholism.Correct: He is an alcoholic. / He suffers from alcoholism.