Syndrome Meaning
Syndrome Definition & Usage
A group of symptoms or signs that consistently occur together or a condition characterized by a set of related symptoms.
Examples
- "The patient was diagnosed with Down syndrome after a series of tests."
- "She exhibited signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome after months of typing on the computer."
- "Post-traumatic stress disorder is a syndrome that arises after experiencing a traumatic event."
- "The syndrome often includes both physical and mental symptoms, making it difficult to treat."
- "Doctors are still studying the rare syndrome to understand its underlying causes."
A pattern of behaviors, events, or circumstances that tend to appear together, often implying a predictable or habitual occurrence.
Examples
- "The office had its own syndrome: the morning rush followed by an afternoon lull."
- "He suffered from the 'late-night writer's syndrome', staying up too late to finish work."
- "The constant last-minute rush was becoming a syndrome in the company."
- "The syndrome of procrastination is common among students in the final weeks before exams."
- "After every major team meeting, the syndrome of 'no follow-through' seems to strike."
Cultural Context
The word 'syndrome' comes from the Greek 'syndromē', meaning 'a running together'. Historically, it has been used to describe medical conditions that share a pattern of symptoms. Over time, it has expanded in usage to include any recurring pattern of events or behaviors.
The Office Syndrome
Story
The Office Syndrome
Sarah had just started working at a new company, excited about the fresh opportunities it would bring. However, within just a few weeks, she started noticing patterns in the office that she hadn't expected. Every Monday morning, the team would rush to meet the deadlines from the previous week, only to slack off on the tasks that followed. This 'Monday syndrome,' as she jokingly called it, was something Sarah couldn't shake. By Wednesday, the office was a quiet place, with everyone caught up in their own projects and the humdrum of the daily grind. But by Friday, there was a sense of urgency again, as if the week had slipped away without anyone realizing it. Sarah began to realize that the office was stuck in a pattern of rush, lull, and rush again. One day, she overheard a colleague talking about how 'the office syndrome' was becoming a real problem, not just with deadlines, but with communication and efficiency. It was as if the team had collectively adopted this pattern, and no one was willing to break free from it. After some reflection, Sarah decided to suggest a few changes. Perhaps, if the 'syndrome' of last-minute rushes could be avoided, the work environment would improve for everyone. Her idea was simple: set clearer goals, break large tasks into manageable pieces, and prioritize communication. The team agreed, and within a few months, the office culture began to shift. No longer was it bound by the inevitable rush of Monday mornings or the 'last-minute syndrome' on Fridays. Instead, they found a balanced rhythm that allowed them to work more efficiently and without stress. It wasn’t just about deadlines—it was about breaking free from patterns that were holding them back.
Related Words
