continually

adverb

con·​tin·​u·​al·​ly kən-ˈtin-yü-ə-lē 

-yə-lē

: in a continual manner : without stopping or interruption

a security system that runs continually

We had endured a series of dark, gloomy, winter days, during which the sun had been continually hidden behind dense, rain clouds.

—George Thatcher

… I was too thoroughly swept away by this richly imagined and continually surprising novel to be concerned with cute comparisons.

—Edan Lepucki

They bickered continually, ignoring me as I worked around them.

—Paula Fox

: in a constantly repeated manner : over and over

being interrupted continually

She would write. I would read and edit, and sometimes shift the wordings, or change phrases or delete things. We would continually refine what was written.

—Herbie Hancock

Synonyms of continually

• constantly
• often
• repeatedly
• frequently

Examples of continually in a Sentence

grew up in a time when children were continually being told to mind their manners

the computer program continually updates the file with new information

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet starting with its first appearance in 1986, when a top player suffered a season-ending knee injury weeks before the tournament, the Huskers have continually been snakebit in the postseason. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026

The business landscape is continually evolving, shaped by the relentless determination and innovative spirit of visionary leaders of industry. —Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026

Beyond the stage, Liam continually pushes himself to grow. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

During the conversation, Robinson reflected on his years in The Office, playing the wise warehouse worker Darryl Philbin, who continually frustrated manager Michael Scott (Carell) with his confidence and nonchalance. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contynuely, from continuel continual + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above