addict

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "addict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is dependent on a substance or activity, such as a drug addict or a gambling addict. For example, "He was a hopeless gambler, an addict to the thrill of the casino."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He enjoyed the very privileges which he condemned in his songs; he complained about alcoholism and drug addiction but was an addict himself; he attacked corruption, but without bribery his life would have been much harder," Mr Schlicht explained to me.

The Economist

Yet the very nature of addiction is that it denies an addict the freedom of choice, as he or she becomes a slave to the drug.

The Economist

From the opening monologue ("We're all hiding something, aren't we?") to the unbroken soundtrack of weepy-guy rock to the spirit-free performances of the three leads, Being Human is weak and weepy non-horror aimed at the grown-up Twilight addict.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm hardly a crack addict," she said, in her defence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Michael Fassbender stars as a sex addict whose sober demeanour is completely at odds with his chaotic sex life.

The Guardian

Police also had leverage over Griggs: he was a heroin addict.

The Guardian

The trial included a taped confession in which he said he was a drug addict and had hired mercenaries for the attack.

The Guardian

Literature began to pepper the windshields of cars at political events suggesting that Mr. McCain had committed treason while a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, that he was mentally unstable after years in a POW camp, that he was the homosexual candidate and that Mrs McCain, who had admitted to abusing prescription drugs years earlier, was an addict.

The Guardian

This was the harrowing but compelling tale not only of how Christiane became a heroin addict, but of a whole generation of children in West Berlin who were dying in a heroin epidemic.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She is also the most famous heroin addict in Germany, if not Europe, and is rumoured to be still on the stuff.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"What you had was a drug addict high on meth and alcohol," he said, speculating that Jeanetta may have been seeking out a fatal encounter with police – or trying to commit "suicide by cop".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "addict", be mindful of the sensitivity surrounding addiction and choose respectful language.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling someone an "addict" based on isolated behavior. Ensure the term accurately reflects a compulsive dependency.

Linguistic Context

The word "addict" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person who is addicted to a substance or activity. Ludwig provides examples where "addict" describes individuals dependent on drugs, gambling, or even television.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "addict" is a common noun used to describe someone with a compulsive dependence on a substance or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While semantically related to terms like "dependent" or "enthusiast", "addict" often carries a negative connotation, implying harmful consequences. When using "addict", consider the sensitivity surrounding addiction and choose respectful language, avoiding overgeneralization or casual labeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

junkie

A slang term specifically referring to someone addicted to drugs.

dependent

Focuses on the state of reliance, either physical or psychological, on something.

hooked

Informal term indicating dependence or strong attachment.

habitué

Implies a frequent visitor or someone who regularly engages in an activity.

obsessed

Focuses on the all-consuming nature of the interest or dependence.

devotee

Highlights dedication and enthusiasm for a particular activity or interest.

fiend

A term suggesting an intense craving or obsession.

enthusiast

Emphasizes strong interest and excitement about something.

user

A general term for someone who consumes a substance, often implying dependence.

fanatic

Suggests an extreme level of enthusiasm and devotion.

FAQs

How to use "addict" in a sentence?

You can use "addict" to describe someone with a compulsive dependency, such as "He is a heroin addict" or "She is a shopping addict".

What can I say instead of "addict"?

You can use alternatives like "dependent", "habitué", or "enthusiast" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "addict" in all situations?

No, the term "addict" can be stigmatizing. Consider using more neutral terms like "person with a substance use disorder" or "someone who is dependent" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "addict" and "enthusiast"?

"Addict" implies a compulsive and harmful dependency, while "enthusiast" suggests a strong and positive interest. For instance, a drug addict experiences harmful consequences, whereas a sports enthusiast simply enjoys watching games.