antibiotic resistance
Pronunciation
Noun
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
The ability of bacteria to survive exposure to drugs that would normally kill them.
Usage notes
Overuse and incomplete courses of antibiotics are two of the biggest drivers of rising resistance.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "Overusing antibiotics in farming has been linked to rising _____ in humans."
Answer: antibiotic resistance
In your own words, what does "antibiotic resistance" mean?
The ability of bacteria to survive exposure to drugs that would normally kill them.
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