continuous

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​ous kən-ˈtin-yü-əs 

1

: marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence

The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use.

2

of a function : having the property that the absolute value of the numerical difference between the value at a given point and the value at any point in a neighborhood of the given point can be made as close to zero as desired by choosing the neighborhood small enough

continuousness noun

Synonyms

• continual
• continued
• continuing
• nonstop
• incessant
• uninterrupted

Choose the Right Synonym for continuous

continual, continuous, constant, incessant, perpetual, perennial mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence.

continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

Examples of continuous in a Sentence

The album is divided into different tracks, but it is really one continuous song.

a continuous line of traffic

The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use.

The phrases “am seeing,” “had been seeing,” and “is being seen” are all in continuous tenses.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the evolving landscape poses new challenges that demand continuous adaptation. —Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Aside from the Yukon 1000, it’s considered the longest kayak and canoe marathon in the world, in which paddlers must travel along the Missouri River for four continuous days. —Ramal Nasim updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025

Some of the key features for the 2025 RAV4 and new updates are listed below: Transmission: The gas engine has an 8 speed automatic transmission and the hybrid models have an electronic continuous variable transmission (ECVT). —Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 13 July 2025

As such, the in-house motor is rated for 250 watts of continuous power delivery for pedal-assist to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) but is capable enough to produce up to 100 Nm (73.75 lb.ft) of torque. —New Atlas, 12 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin continuus (from continēre "to hold together, retain, restrain, have as contents" + -uus, deverbal adjective suffix) + -ous — more at contain

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing continuous

• continuous positive airway pressure

Rhymes for continuous

• discontinuous
• semicontinuous

Kids Definition

continuous

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​ous kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs 

: continuing without a stop

continuously adverb

continuousness noun

Medical Definition

continuous

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​ous kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs 

: marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence : continuing without intermission or recurring regularly after minute interruptions

continuous vitamin injections

continuously adverb