Acute/əˈkjuːt/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/2Immediate Consequence Use 'acute' to express that something's effect is felt right away and demands urgent response. The village is in acute need of food supplies. Pro Tip 2/2Enhance Severity 'Acute' intensifies the gravity of situations, making them seem more urgent or severe. Their team is facing an acute shortage of resources.