Associations

Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. It can occur when you stand up too quickly, are dehydrated, or have inner ear problems.

• You might feel dizzy when you stand up after sitting for a long time. This is often called "orthostatic hypotension."
• After riding a merry-go-round, you might feel dizzy when you step off—this is due to the inner ear not adjusting right away.
• If you've been sick or have a migraine, dizziness can be a symptom that makes you feel unbalanced.

A well-known synonym for dizziness is "vertigo." However, vertigo specifically refers to the sensation of spinning, while dizziness can refer to a general feeling of light-headedness or imbalance.

Substitution

Other words or phrases that can be used instead of dizziness include:

• Lightheadedness: often implies a faint or weak feeling, usually temporary.
• Giddiness: suggests a more joyful or excited lightheadedness, but can also mean slightly disoriented.
• Spinning: specifically refers to the sensation of the environment moving around you, often associated with vertigo.

Using these alternatives can change the meaning slightly depending on the context. For example, "lightheadedness" may be more suitable after standing up too quickly, while "spinning" might be better for describing a feeling after a roller coaster.