addicted
uh-DIHK-tihd
Addicted (adjective) means Physically or psychologically dependent on a substance, unable to stop easily. Example: “He became addicted to painkillers after his surgery.”
adjective
1
Physically or psychologically dependent on a substance, unable to stop easily.
"He became addicted to painkillers after his surgery."
"Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances, and many smokers stay addicted for decades."
"She joined a support group because she was addicted to sleeping tablets."
2
Extremely fond of or obsessed with something, often used loosely.
"My sister is addicted to that new phone game."
"He's addicted to checking his messages every few minutes."
"I'm totally addicted to this detective series and can't stop watching."
How to use addicted
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnable to stop doing or using something, whether a drug or just a strong habit.
When to use it
The casual sense (addicted to a game, a show, coffee) is informal and much milder than clinical addiction.
Common pairings
addicted to drugs
become addicted
addicted to social media
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more addicted
- Superlative
- most addicted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He became _____ to painkillers after his surgery.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unaddicted
Related words
Rhymes for addicted
See all rhymes for addicted →Frequently asked questions
What does “addicted” mean?
The word “addicted” means physically or psychologically dependent on a substance, unable to stop easily. In plain terms, unable to stop doing or using something, whether a drug or just a strong habit.
How do you pronounce “addicted”?
“Addicted” is pronounced uh-DIHK-tihd (/əˈdɪktɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “addicted” in a sentence?
Here is “addicted” used in a sentence: “He became addicted to painkillers after his surgery.”
What part of speech is “addicted”?
“Addicted” is an adjective.
Is “addicted” a common word?
“Addicted” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “addicted” have?
“Addicted” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: physically or psychologically dependent on a substance, unable to stop easily.
What is the difference between addicted and dependent?
Addicted describes being physically or psychologically unable to stop using a substance easily, while dependent can refer more narrowly to a physical need that develops with regular use, sometimes without the compulsive behaviour implied by addiction. In casual speech, though, the two words are often used interchangeably.
Can addicted be used loosely for things that aren't harmful?
Yes, addicted is often used loosely to describe being extremely fond of or obsessed with something harmless, such as being "addicted" to a TV show or a hobby. This informal usage is distinct from the clinical sense involving substance dependence.
What preposition typically follows addicted?
Addicted is typically followed by "to," as in "addicted to nicotine" or "addicted to video games." This pattern holds whether the sentence describes serious dependence or casual enthusiasm.
