addictive
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describes a substance or activity that makes you want to keep doing it, even if it is bad for you.
adj.causing or tending to cause physiological or psychological addiction through regular use or engagement.
Simple“Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in cigarettes.”
In context“Medical researchers have identified specific neural pathways that become hyper-responsive when exposed to addictive chemical compounds over an extended period.”
UsageOften used with the adverb 'highly'.
Synonymshabit formingcompulsiveAntonymsnon addictive - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describes something so fun or interesting that you want to do it all the time.
adj.highly engaging or enjoyable in a way that encourages repetitive participation; often used for media or games.
Simple“That new puzzle game on my phone is so addictive that I played it for three hours.”
In context“The developers designed the interface to be intentionally addictive, using frequent rewards and sensory feedback to ensure high user retention rates.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a drug or an activity that causes someone to become addicted.
n.a substance or stimulus that functions as an agent of addiction.
Simple“The doctor explained that the medicine could act as an addictive if taken for too long.”
In context“The report categorised several common household chemicals as potential addictives if misused by vulnerable populations.”
UsageRarely used as a noun in modern general English; usually functions as an adjective.
First attested 1914. Addiction in modern sense is first attested 1906, in reference to opium. There is an isolated instance from 1779, with reference to tobacco.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.