# addiction vs addition

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### addiction
*noun · IPA /əˈdɪkˌʃən/ · frequency rank #5,656*
A state that is characterized by compulsive drug use or compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior, despite negative consequences.

### addition
*noun · IPA /əˈdɪʃ.ən/ · frequency rank #1,037*
The act of adding anything.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/addiction-vs-addition