PERMACRISIS

What Does Permacrisis Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

Permacrisis means an extended period of social or political instability and insecurity.

More Detail...

In November 2022, Collins English Dictionary declared the term permacrisis its "Word of the Year" for 2022. While Collins defines a crisis as "a situation in which something or someone is affected by one or more very serious problems," the term permacrisis refers to "an extended period of instability and insecurity, especially one resulting from a series of catastrophic events." Permacrisis was first coined in the 1970s. However, it experienced a surge in use in 2022. Memories of the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2007-2008, then the the coronavirus pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine (which provoked a rise in prices of oil, gas, and other products), the increasingly toxic political and social situation, climate change, and unrest in many parts of the world, have all led to a generalized sense that we are living in a state of permanent crisis.

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When I write Permacrisis, I mean this:

Collins English Dictionary declared permacrisis its "Word of the Year" for 2022.

Summary of Key Points

"Extended Period of Social or Political Instability and Insecurity" is, by far, the most common meaning for permacrisis when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

Permacrisis
Definition:	Extended Period of Social or Political Instability and Insecurity
Type:	Word
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at Permacrisis

As it is formed by merging two words (or parts of words) into one, permacrisis is classified as a portmanteau word. It is formed by amalgamating perma (from permanent) with crisis. Other examples of portmanteau words are smog (smoke and fog) and brunch (breakfast and lunch).