# incessant

/ˌɪnˈsɛsənt/ (US) · /ɪnsˈɛsənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incessant
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

continuing for a long time without stopping in a way that is annoying. You use this to describe sounds or actions that feel like they will never end.

For teachers: continuing without pause or interruption, typically in an unpleasant or annoying manner. Often used to describe auditory stimuli or repetitive actions.

## Examples

- The incessant rain ruined our plans for a picnic.
- We had to move to a different hotel because of the incessant noise from the construction site next door.
- The incessant ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway became a source of profound irritation as he struggled to concentrate on his manuscript during the quiet hours of the night.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; carries a negative connotation of persistence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.