hectic

adjective

hec·​tic ˈhek-tik 

1

: characterized by activity, excitement, or confusion

a hectic lifestyle

the hectic first few days of the school year

2

a

medical : of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)

b

: having a hectic fever

a hectic patient

3

: red, flushed

hectic color on her cheeks

hectically

ˈhek-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

hectically busy

Did you know?

Semantic Crisis Intervention

Some people are bothered by changes in a word’s meaning (see: literally), while others have a more relaxed attitude towards semantic drift. For those who feel vexed when a word seems to have suddenly changed its spots, it may be of some comfort to know that words in English do this all the time; crisis is a fine example. Originally, crisis denoted “the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever.” Now it most commonly means “a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention,” yet few people insist that it should be used exclusively in its older meaning. The normality of semantic change can be seen in another word that first appeared in febrile contexts: hectic, which now is primarily used to mean “very busy,” originally referred to a fever that was fluctuating but recurrent.

Synonyms of hectic

• excited
• heated
• agitated
• frenzied

Examples of hectic in a Sentence

We both had hectic days at work.

She maintains a hectic schedule as a journalist and mother.

Recent Examples on the Web

But then Matteo shows up, throws a wrench into things, and Anna’s Italian vacation becomes, well, a slightly more hectic but still pretty enjoyable Italian vacation. —Adam Graham, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026

Residents of Sacramento are juggling hard jobs, long commutes, caregiving, school responsibilities, and hectic schedules. —Malana Vantyler, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026

Some of the strongest scenes in Season 2, set during a particularly hectic July 4, also belong to returning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Emmy winner Katherine LaNasa. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026

Not quite as hectic, but the masses kept coming. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English etyk, from Anglo-French etique, from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikos habitual, consumptive, from echein to have — more at scheme entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing hectic

• has a busy/hectic social life

Rhymes for hectic

• pectic
• smectic
• apoplectic
• dialectic
• cachectic
• eclectic
• eutectic
• symplectic

Kids Definition

hectic

adjective

hec·​tic ˈhek-tik 

1

: being hot and flushed

2

: filled with excitement, activity, or confusion

a hectic day of shopping

hectically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

hectic

adjective

hec·​tic ˈhek-tik 

1

: of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)

2

: having a hectic fever

a hectic patient