addictive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "addictive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that someone finds hard to resist or that causes someone to become dependent on it. For example: "His mother found it increasingly difficult to resist her son's addictive video game habit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a major factor in the spread of deaths from tuberculosis and it should come as no surprise that tobacco control (nannying as you would have it) is one of the most cost-effective means of saving lives.And it is misleading to talk of personal choice when tobacco is highly addictive and kills at least half of its addicts prematurely.

The Economist

CROSSY ROAD iOS/Android (freemium) The most addictive mobile game in recent memory, this takes the road-crossing premise of arcade classic Frogger, then runs (well, hops) with it.

The Guardian - Tech

It's saccharin sweet and utterly addictive – like reality TV, but with cupcakes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now it's Max Frost's addictive, frantic ode to relationship paranoiaWhite Lies at 42. Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 4.48pm AEST05:48 Very far from Sweden, nudity seems to be occuring.

The Guardian

While nicotine is the addictive substance that keeps smokers hooked, Cancer Research UK said it is the toxic cocktail of chemicals in tobacco smoke that kills half of all long-term smokers.

The Guardian

A report in yesterday's Daily Mirror said that when confronted by mobile phone footage showing him heating the highly addictive drug before inhaling it from a pipe, Mr Pearson confessed: "It's true.

The Guardian

The latter is particularly notable, as it encapsulates alcohol's enduring and addictive appeal as a rapid means of pain or stress relief across the entire spectrum of employees, regardless of social stereotypes.

The Guardian - Money

It is a gateway drug and the most highly addictive form.

The Guardian

Valium, meanwhile, is a prescription-only drug because it is addictive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Biz Builder Delux (£2.99) This is the latest mobile game from Kairosoft, the Japanese developer that made its name in the west with Game Dev Story, and has since honed its addictive simulation-game formula into a fine art.

The Guardian - Tech

The "apocalyptic violence" on behalf of their spiritual calling, committed as if in a trance, is addictive, the ultimate high.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing substances, clarify whether you mean psychologically "addictive" (pleasurable and reinforcing) or physically "addictive" (causing withdrawal symptoms upon cessation).

Common error

Avoid describing everything you enjoy as "addictive". Reserve the term for experiences or substances that genuinely create a strong, difficult-to-resist compulsion. Using stronger words for less intense actions will give a clearer nuance to your speech.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "addictive" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating a quality of being habit-forming or causing dependence. As seen in Ludwig examples, it modifies nouns like "drugs", "game", and "alcohol" to highlight their potential for addiction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "addictive" is a commonly used adjective to describe something capable of causing dependence or a strong habit. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is correct. It's widely used in News & Media to describe substances, behaviors, or experiences that are difficult to stop. While often used broadly, it is more accurate to reserve it for situations where a genuine risk of dependence exists. Alternatives include "habit-forming" and "compelling", offering nuances in meaning. Ludwig's examples show a range of uses, helping to clarify appropriate contexts and highlight the cautionary aspect of the word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

habit-forming

Focuses on the tendency to create a habit.

irresistible

Stresses the impossibility of resisting something.

compelling

Emphasizes the irresistibility of something.

gripping

Highlights the intense hold something has on someone.

engrossing

Highlights the ability to completely capture attention.

captivating

Focuses on the charm and attraction that holds someone's interest.

enthralling

Suggests a magical quality that holds someone spellbound.

alluring

Implies a seductive quality that draws someone in.

consuming

Emphasizes how something takes over one's thoughts or life.

obsessive

Focuses on the dominating nature of the desire or behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "addictive" in a sentence?

You can use "addictive" to describe something that is habit-forming or difficult to stop using, such as "This game is incredibly addictive" or "Nicotine is an addictive substance".

What can I say instead of "addictive"?

You can use alternatives like "habit-forming", "compelling", or "irresistible" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "addictive" or "addicting"?

"Addictive" is the generally accepted and more common adjective. "Addicting" is also used, but less frequently. It's more appropriate to say something is "addictive" rather than "addicting".

Is everything that is pleasurable "addictive"?

Not necessarily. Something is "addictive" if it creates a strong psychological or physical dependence. While pleasurable experiences can be "compelling" or "enjoyable", they are not "addictive" unless they lead to compulsive behavior and potential negative consequences.