addicting

adjective

ad·​dict·​ing ə-ˈdik-tiŋ How to pronounce addicting (audio)
: causing addiction : addictive
a
: causing a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity
Although codeine is potentially addicting, it rarely causes physical dependence when taken orally for a short time.Consumer Reports
b
: producing a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly
This relish is typically used as a topping for bruschetta …—but I find it so addicting I can simply eat spoonfuls from a bowl.Francisco J. Robert

Examples of addicting in a Sentence

cocaine is highly addicting
Recent Examples on the Web Supporters of the measure fault social media algorithms for addicting young users and harming their mental health. Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 June 2024 While some revenge flicks may offer lackluster endings, others provide that addicting, vicarious thrill. EW.com, 31 May 2024 The ascension of a player is a beautiful and addicting thing to watch. Jannelle Moore, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2024 Zuckerberg and his company have made headlines over the last several years with topics involving lawsuits over user data, lawmakers criticizing the lack of regulation of misinformation, lawsuits alleging Instagram and Facebook are harmful and addicting for kids, among others. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 TikTok and other social media companies are also facing hundreds of lawsuits accusing them of enticing and addicting millions of children to their platforms, damaging their mental health. Reuters, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2024 This mode is unbelievably addicting – modifiers, boss battles and an ever-changing path of randomized encounters keeps it feeling fresh and exciting, even after hours of play. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Jan. 2024 That’s why social media is so addicting, and influencers are able to rack in the dough. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024 In one now-viral video, the poster clearly explains why unsatisfying activities tend to be the most addicting ones to engage in. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'addicting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of addict entry 2

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of addicting was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near addicting

Cite this Entry

“Addicting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addicting. Accessed 9 Jun. 2024.

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