addictions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'addictions' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is the plural form of the noun 'addiction', which refers to a strong and harmful need to regularly engage in a particular activity or consume a substance. You can use the word 'addictions' when talking about multiple types or instances of addiction, such as: - The clinic specializes in treating various addictions, including alcoholism, drug addiction, and gambling addiction. - The prevalence of social media and smartphone addictions has become a growing concern in recent years. - She struggled with several addictions throughout her life, including shopping addiction and food addiction.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But developing drugs for other addictions is a riskier commercial proposition, largely because so many addicts are poor and, in America at least, their health insurance will not always pay the bill.Yet every dollar spent on drug-abuse treatment could save as much as seven times that in medical and social costs.

The Economist

I am not talking about alcoholics – you wouldn't penalise people for addictions – but a doctor could easily make the distinction.

The Guardian

They they all are, hooking their necks down to make their abs stick out – Magic Mike, one of his friends, and one of the werewolves from Twilight who's turned to stripping as a last resort to fund his twin addictions to fake tan and pasties.

The Guardian - Film

To lie to your husband, kids, lovers, friends and sponsor about your addictions?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When more dangerous addictions took hold, the saga of Troubled Gazza began to overwhelm the footballer himself.

The Guardian - Sport

Amy Winehouse, whose life was dogged by drug and alcohol abuse, was killed by an eating disorder rather than by her addictions, according to her brother.

The Guardian - Music

The programme was a three-part drama starring Sarah Lancaster and Ian Hart, that chronicled the lives of the murdered women and their families, and the drug addictions that drove them to prostitution.

The Guardian

Alcoholism, like all addictions, is a mental illness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Look at how small the beat is.' Page said that '99.9 per cent' of women worked on the streets to feed their addictions.

The Guardian

As it turned out, just before the addictions did finish him, he changed his mind, went into rehab, and lived to tell this tale.

The Guardian - Sport

I've watched too many couples miraculously negotiate tough times – from addictions and serial adultery to bi-polar disorder – only to fall apart once the normality they aspired to becomes reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "addictions" when referring to multiple forms of addiction, whereas "addiction" is correct when referring to a singular instance.

Common error

Avoid using "addictions" loosely to describe strong preferences or hobbies. Reserve the term for situations involving genuine dependency and negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The noun "addictions" functions as a plural noun, typically serving as the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. It refers to multiple instances of dependency or compulsive engagement in harmful behaviors, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "addictions" is a grammatically correct and very common plural noun that refers to multiple instances of dependence on substances or activities. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in a wide range of contexts. It is most frequently found in news media and encyclopedia articles, as well as science and formal writing. When using "addictions", specificity about the type of addiction is crucial for clarity. Remember, reserve this term for situations involving genuine dependency and negative consequences, as overgeneralization can be a common error. Consider related terms such as "dependencies" or "compulsions" based on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependencies

Emphasizes reliance on something, similar to needing something to function.

dependencies on substances

Specifies that the addictions involve physical or psychological reliance on a substance.

compulsions

Highlights the irresistible urge to engage in certain behaviors.

behavioral disorders

Focuses on the classification of addiction as a psychological or psychiatric condition.

habits

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the behavior, although less intense than an addiction.

obsessive behaviors

Emphasizes the repetitive and intrusive nature of the behavior.

cravings

Highlights the intense desire associated with addictive substances or behaviors.

unhealthy attachments

Highlights the negative consequences associated with the addiction.

problematic habits

Indicates that the behaviors are causing difficulties or negative outcomes.

vices

Refers to habits viewed as immoral or self-destructive.

FAQs

How to use "addictions" in a sentence?

Use "addictions" when referring to multiple instances of dependence on substances or activities. For example, "The treatment center specializes in various "addictions", including drug and alcohol abuse."

What is the difference between "addiction" and "addictions"?

"Addiction" is singular, referring to a single instance of dependency. "Addictions" is plural, referring to multiple instances or types of dependence.

What are some examples of different types of "addictions"?

Examples of different types of "addictions" include substance abuse (drugs, alcohol, nicotine), behavioral "addictions" (gambling, gaming, shopping), and food-related "addictions" (binge eating, compulsive overeating).

What can I say instead of ""addictions""?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "dependencies", "compulsions", or "problematic habits".