addictive

American  

[uh-dik-tiv] / əˈdɪk tɪv /

adjective

1. null addicting producing or tending to cause addiction.

   an addictive drug.

2. more than normally susceptible to addiction.

   an addictive personality.

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addictive British  

/ əˈdɪktɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or causing addiction

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Other Word Forms

• addictiveness noun
• nonaddictive adjective

Etymology

Origin of addictive

First recorded in 1935–40; addict + -ive

Example Sentences

The finished product is indulgent and addictive, flavoring the humble chia seed with freshly brewed Thai tea, maple syrup and vanilla extract, alongside a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Australia's ban was justified by campaigners and the government as necessary to protect children from harmful content and addictive algorithms.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Less than a day later in a courtroom a few states away, Meta lost a second suit, this one accusing it of designing its apps to be addictive and harmful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

But attorney Mark Lanier framed the surprise victory in L.A. for his client — who alleged Instagram and YouTube were designed to be addictive for young users — as nothing short of a cosmic triumph.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

Winning was easy and addictive; the more she won, the more she felt she couldn’t risk failing.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

Related Words

• obsessive