addicting

adjective

ad·​dict·​ing ə-ˈdik-tiŋ 

: 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

Synonyms

• addictive
• habit-forming

Examples of addicting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prepare to add this addicting cheese to your regular menu. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2023

But for users like Courtney, the struggles to quit are real and complicated by the powerful cultural perception that marijuana is natural and therapeutic, not a substance that can be addicting. —David Ovalle and Fenit Nirappil, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Aug. 2023

With ornate window displays and high towers, the busy street comes to life and gives you a taste of the buzz that makes NYC so addicting. —Kyler Alvord, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 July 2023

And iPhone—maybe—would be less addicting without Instagram. —Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 9 June 2023

Bacon is, without a doubt, one of the most delicious and addicting breakfast foods out there. —Brittany Leitner, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2023

Showrunner Debora Cahn has crafted that elusive not-prestige-but-not-not-prestige political thriller, one that marries the addicting silliness Netflix has staked its claim upon with the sobriety of those other streamers-that-shall-not-be-named. —Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 22 Apr. 2023

That's so addicting. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2023

All legal, but very addicting. —Terry Pluto, cleveland, 28 Jan. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

from present participle of addict entry 2

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above