What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crisis
Example
The company is facing a financial crisis due to the pandemic. [crisis: noun]
Example
The team had to come up with a crisis management plan when the server crashed. [crisis: adjective]
emergency
Example
Call 911 in case of an emergency. [emergency: noun]
Example
The hospital has an emergency room for patients with critical conditions. [emergency: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Emergency is more commonly used than crisis in everyday language. Emergency is a more specific term that is often used in news reports, medical contexts, and public safety announcements. Crisis is a less common term that is often used in business, politics, and social contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between crisis and emergency?
Both crisis and emergency can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, crisis is often associated with more formal or professional settings, while emergency is more commonly used in everyday language and informal contexts.