superbug

[ soo-per-buhg ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a pathogenic bacterium that has developed immunity to antibiotics, or an insect that has developed immunity to insecticides.

superbug

/ ˈsuːpəˌbʌɡ /

noun

1. informal.
   an infective microorganism that has become resistant to antibiotics

Word History and Origins

Origin of superbug¹

First reported in 1915–20; super- ( def ) + bug ¹( def )

Example Sentences

The latest findings echo those found previously by the World Health Organization, which attributes superbug development to the overuse of antimicrobials to fight viruses, bacteria and fungi.

From Salon

Despite the mounting toll — and the prospect of an eventual surge in superbug fatalities — the development of new antibiotics has stagnated.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the mounting toll — and the prospect of an eventual surge in superbug fatalities — the development of new antibiotics has failed to keep pace with the threat.

From Los Angeles Times

The formula for a new antibiotic that killed a previously lethal hospital superbug was invented by an AI tool.

From BBC

They show that while the increase in drug use has amplified the spread of superbugs, it is not the only driver.

From Science Daily