Word
addiction
Phoneticsad·dic·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈdɪkʃən/
UK/ɐdˈɪkʃən/
Definitions
01medical dependency
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine
n. a physical or mental need to use a drug or substance that you cannot easily stop.
n. a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.
Español:adicción
“He went to a clinic to get help with his addiction to alcohol.”
“The patient's addiction to prescription painkillers required a comprehensive treatment plan involving both detoxification and long-term psychological support.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'to'.
Synonyms
02compulsive behavior
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a strong habit of doing an activity too much, like playing video games or shopping.
n. a psychological compulsion to engage in rewarding non-substance-related behaviours.
“Her addiction to social media was starting to affect her performance at work.”
“Researchers are increasingly studying the neurological similarities between gambling addiction and chemical dependency.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'to' plus a noun or gerund.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “addiction” in context.
Verb
01. feed an addiction
“He spent all his savings just to feed his gambling addiction.”
verb + noun
02. overcome an addiction
“It takes a lot of willpower and support to overcome an addiction to nicotine.”
verb + noun
03. struggle with an addiction
“Many people struggle with an addiction to social media without even realizing it.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. lifelong addiction
“His lifelong addiction to caffeine started when he was just a teenager.”
adj + noun
05. severe addiction
“The clinic specializes in helping patients with a severe addiction to painkillers.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. addiction to drugs
“The documentary explores the devastating effects of addiction to drugs on local communities.”
noun + prep
07. signs of addiction
“Parents should be aware of the early signs of addiction in their children.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. in the grip of addiction
“The city is providing more resources for those who are in the grip of addiction.”
prep + noun + prep
Real-World Examples
“But experts are divided as to whether it is a true "addiction" – like someone might experience with drugs, for example – and how best to deal with it.” “Stewart’s addictions ended his run on the country charts.” Etymology
From addict + -ion; compare (Latin) addictio (“an adjudging, an award”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/addiction
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0