allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy

2

: having an aversion

allergic to work

Synonyms of allergic

• afraid
• reluctant
• opposed
• opposing
• averse

Examples of allergic in a Sentence

a lover of the outdoors who claims to be allergic to desk jobs

Recent Examples on the Web

Hair dyes Some patients can be allergic to certain hair-dye ingredients. — Kara McGrath, Allure, 22 Oct. 2026

Similarly, a 2024 analysis of clinical trials involving people with asthma found no significant reduction in inflammatory markers linked to allergic asthma. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2026

The American Academy of Dermatology echoes those concerns, warning that cosmetic tattooing can lead to complications including allergic and infectious reactions. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Hwang knows how frustrating allergies and allergic reactions can be, especially for people who have spent years managing symptoms without answers. — Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

allergy + -ic entry 1, after German allergisch

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing allergic

• allergic rhinitis
• anti-allergic

Rhymes for allergic

• glutamatergic

Kids Definition

allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy

an allergic reaction

2

: having a dislike for something

allergic to hard work

Medical Definition

allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by allergy

an allergic reaction

allergic diseases

2

: affected with allergy : subject to an allergic reaction

he is allergic to pollen

allergically

ə-ˈlər-ji-k(ə-)lē

adverb

The body reacts allergically, the skin reddening and breaking out in tiny blisters.

—Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News