Symptom Meaning
Symptom Definition & Usage
A sign or indication of the presence of a disease or condition.
Examples
- "Fever is a common symptom of the flu."
- "He reported several symptoms, including a sore throat and fatigue."
- "Persistent cough and shortness of breath can be symptoms of COVID-19."
- "The patient displayed symptoms of nausea and dizziness."
- "Depression can often manifest as physical symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue."
A sign or manifestation that something is happening or going wrong, often used metaphorically.
Examples
- "The disorganized meeting was a symptom of deeper issues within the team."
- "The city's declining infrastructure is a symptom of years of neglect."
- "Rising unemployment is often a symptom of a struggling economy."
- "Frequent conflicts between staff members can be a symptom of poor leadership."
- "His avoidance of important tasks was a symptom of his underlying stress."
Cultural Context
The term 'symptom' originates from medical terminology but has since broadened in use to describe any indication of an issue or problem in various fields like psychology, economics, and social sciences. In medical contexts, symptoms are critical to diagnosing and understanding diseases, but outside of healthcare, it can imply a deeper, often negative, underlying issue.
The Hidden Symptoms of Change
Story
The Hidden Symptoms of Change
Anna had always been the kind of person who liked to keep things under control. As the lead manager of a growing company, she prided herself on staying ahead of potential problems. But lately, something had been off. The once vibrant meetings felt sluggish, and the team seemed less motivated. She began to notice the 'symptoms' of a larger issue—lack of communication, low morale, and an overall sense of dissatisfaction. One afternoon, she sat with her colleague, Tom, in the conference room. Tom had been with the company for over a decade, and Anna trusted his opinion. 'I've been noticing it too,' Tom said, rubbing his forehead. 'It’s like the team is just going through the motions. People aren’t engaged anymore.' Anna nodded. 'It’s like we’re seeing symptoms of something bigger—a problem that’s been brewing for a while. It's not just the numbers; it’s the mood, the energy. I think it’s time we address the root cause.' As they discussed possible solutions, Anna couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. She had been too focused on growth targets and hadn’t seen the signs earlier. But now, the symptoms were undeniable. The lack of motivation, the sharp drop in performance, the constant miscommunication—all were signs that something fundamental needed to change. The next week, Anna called for a company-wide meeting. She was upfront about the situation, acknowledging the issues that had cropped up. 'These symptoms we’re seeing—lack of motivation, miscommunication, disengagement—are signs that we need to reassess how we work as a team,' she said. 'It’s time for us to dig deeper and figure out what’s really going on.' By the end of the meeting, there was a sense of clarity. The team had seen the symptoms too, and now it was up to them to find the real cause and correct course. In a way, the symptoms had guided them to the right place—a turning point where they could fix what was broken and improve the company culture. In a sense, the team's initial lack of awareness about these symptoms had been a symptom itself: a sign that they needed to slow down, take a step back, and reassess their approach.
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