# addiction

> English word · Noun · IPA /əˈdɪkˌʃən/ · frequency rank #5,656

## Definitions
1. A state that is characterized by compulsive drug use or compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior, despite negative consequences.
2. The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination.
3. A habit or practice that damages, jeopardizes or shortens one's life but when ceased causes trauma.
4. A pathological relationship to mood altering experience that has life damaging consequences.

## Etymology
From addict + -ion; compare (Latin) addictio (“an adjudging, an award”).

## Easily confused with
- **addition** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/addiction-vs-addition)
- **audition** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/addiction-vs-audition)
- **additions** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/addiction-vs-additions)
- **addictive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/addiction-vs-addictive)
- **abduction** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/abduction-vs-addiction)
- **addicting** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/addicting-vs-addiction)
- **abdication** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/abdication-vs-addiction)

## Common misspellings (12)
`addcition`, `addicction`, `addiciton`, `addicsion`, `addictino`, `addictionn`, `addictoin`, `addicttion`, `additcion`, `adiction`, `adidction`, `dadiction`

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