English Reference

Word

constantly

Phoneticscon·stant·ly, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkɑnstəntɫi/

UK/kˈɒnstəntli/

Adverb of frequency

Definitions

01all the time

B1 · Intermediate

adv. happening all the time or very often.

adv. occurring continuously or with high frequency over a period of time.

“The weather in this city is constantly changing from sun to rain.”

“The software is constantly updating in the background to ensure that security vulnerabilities are patched as soon as they are discovered.”

Usage

Often placed between the auxiliary verb and the main verb.

Pitfall

He is constantly to check his phone.

He is constantly checking his phone.

When using 'constantly' with the verb 'to be' to describe a habit, use the -ing form of the main verb.

02always the same

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

adv. in a way that does not change.

adv. in an unchangeable or invariable manner; consistently across all instances.

“The two chemicals reacted constantly whenever they were mixed together.”

“The results of the experiment remained constantly within the predicted margin of error throughout the three-year study period.”

Usage

Commonly used in technical or academic contexts to describe stable patterns.

Antonyms

variablyinconsistently

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “constantly” in context.

Verb

01. constantly check

“He constantly checks his phone for new messages even when he is out for dinner.”

adv + verb

02. constantly evolve

“Language is constantly evolving as new words are added to the dictionary every year.”

adv + verb

03. constantly remind

“My parents constantly remind me to lock the front door before I go to bed.”

adv + verb

04. constantly strive

“The company must constantly strive to improve its customer service to stay competitive.”

adv + verb

Adjective

05. constantly available

“Technical support is constantly available through our online chat system.”

adv + adj

06. constantly aware

“As a solo traveler, you need to be constantly aware of your surroundings.”

adv + adj

07. constantly changing

“It is difficult to keep up with the constantly changing fashion trends in the city.”

adv + adj

08. constantly evolving

09. constantly shifting

Real-World Examples

“He said: "It made me feel absolutely incredible, I couldn't stop talking about it and I was constantly busy trying to make people have the best experience possible.”
BBC News 13 Aug 2026
“The reality is that thoughts emerge from living tissue that must constantly capture, transform and use energy simply to exist.”
The Guardian 9 Aug 2026
“The flu virus is constantly evolving, which is why a new flu jab is needed every year.”
BBC News 21 Apr 2026

Etymology

From constant + -ly. Displaced native Old English singallīċe.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

ADVERB

constantly(B2)

This entry

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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