The terms "acute" and "chronic" are often mixed up, despite their contrasting definitions. Chronic refers to long-lasting conditions that persist over time and are difficult to resolve. These can include ongoing issues that impact individuals' lives continuously.
In contrast, acute describes situations that arise suddenly and demand urgent care or attention. For instance, individuals in developing countries may face chronic food shortages, but during particularly tough times, this situation can escalate into an acute crisis that threatens their immediate well-being.