adjective Uncommon

habitual

huh-BIH-chuu-uhl

Habitual (adjective) means Done so often it has become a fixed pattern of behavior. Example: “His habitual lateness annoyed his coworkers.”

adjective

Done so often it has become a fixed pattern of behavior.

"His habitual lateness annoyed his coworkers."

"She gave a habitual shrug whenever asked about her plans."

Describing someone who does something regularly as a matter of routine.

"He was a habitual offender, back in court for the third time that year."

How to use habitual

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDone regularly, as a settled pattern rather than a one-off.

Common pairings

habitual offender habitual liar habitual behavior

Word forms

more habitual comparative, habituals plural, most habitual superlative

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His _____ lateness annoyed his coworkers.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin habitualis, from Latin habitus ("condition, disposition"), the same root as "habit."

Origin: Medieval Latin

Rhymes for habitual

dual equal usual sexual manual annual actual ritual mutual casual visual accrual

See all rhymes for habitual →

Frequently asked questions

What does “habitual” mean?

The word “habitual” means done so often it has become a fixed pattern of behavior. In plain terms, done regularly, as a settled pattern rather than a one-off.

How do you pronounce “habitual”?

“Habitual” is pronounced huh-BIH-chuu-uhl (/həˈbɪ.t͡ʃʊ.əl/ in IPA).

How do you use “habitual” in a sentence?

Here is “habitual” used in a sentence: “His habitual lateness annoyed his coworkers.”

What part of speech is “habitual”?

“Habitual” is an adjective.

Where does the word “habitual” come from?

The word “habitual” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin habitualis, from Latin habitus ("condition, disposition"), the same root as "habit.".

Is “habitual” a common word?

“Habitual” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “habitual” have?

“Habitual” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: done so often it has become a fixed pattern of behavior.