habitual

ha·bit·u·al

adjective \hə-ˈbi-ch(ə-)wəl, ha-, -ˈbi-chəl\

Definition of HABITUAL

1

: having the nature of a habit : customary <habitual candor> <habitual behavior>

2

: doing, practicing, or acting in some manner by force of habit <habitual drunkards>

3

: resorted to on a regular basis <our habitual diet>

4

: inherent in an individual <habitual grace>

— ha·bit·u·al·ly adverb

— ha·bit·u·al·ness noun

Examples of HABITUAL

1. He was fired for his habitual lateness.
2. They went for their habitual evening walk.

First Known Use of HABITUAL

1603

Related to HABITUAL

Synonyms

bred-in-the-bone, chronic, confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate

Antonyms

inconstant, infrequent, irregular

Related Words

incorrigible, unreconstructed, unregenerate; born, natural; persistent, regular, repeat, serial, steady, unchanging, unfailing; addicted; accustomed, habituated, used, wonted; deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched (also intrenched), inbred, inherent, innate, intrinsic; apt, inclined, prone; mulish, obstinate, set, stubborn

Near Antonyms

unaccustomed, unused; intermittent, occasional

See Synonym Discussion at usual

ha·bit·u·al

adjective \hə-ˈbich-(ə-)wəl, ha-, -ˈbich-əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of HABITUAL

1

: having the nature of a habit : being in accordance with habit <habitual smoking>

2

: doing, practicing, or acting in some manner by force of habit <habitual liars>

—ha·bit·u·al·ly \-ē\ (audio pronunciation) adverb