Meaning and Usage
"衰竭" refers to the failure or exhaustion of an organ or system, often used in medical contexts to describe conditions like heart failure (心脏衰竭) or kidney failure (肾衰竭). It combines "衰" meaning weakening or decline, and "竭" meaning to exhaust or deplete.
Common Collocations
- 心脏衰竭: heart failure, a critical medical condition.
- 肾衰竭: kidney failure, often requiring dialysis.
- 器官衰竭: organ failure, general term for failure of bodily organs.
Usage Notes
This term is formal and primarily used in medical or technical contexts. It describes a state where an organ's function is severely impaired or completely exhausted. It is not used for general weakening or decline in non-technical contexts.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse "衰竭" with "衰退" (decline) or "衰弱" (weakness). "衰竭" specifically implies exhaustion or failure, often irreversible without treatment.