addicting
Hard to quit
Addicting is the present participle of addict used as an adjective, meaning causing addiction or compulsive engagement: This game is so addicting.
Some usage guides prefer addictive, but addicting appears commonly in casual speech, especially among younger Americans.
The distinction rarely matters in practice—both convey that something hooks you.
Completely holding one's attention
- mesmerizingCompletely capturing one's attention
- enthrallingDeeply fascinating and gripping
- fascinatingExtremely interesting or captivating
- absorbingHolding attention completely
gripping · compelling · riveting · spellbinding · immersive · hypnotic · binge-worthy · unputdownable
Impossible to withstand
- uncontrollableImpossible to restrain
- compulsionIrresistible urge to act
- drivenIntensely determined to achieve
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
obsessive · persistent · repetitive · overpowering · unstoppable · incessant · consuming · all-consuming
Deeply dependent or bent
- dependenceState of needing another
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- habitualDone by routine
- ingrainedFirmly established by habit
entrenched · conditioning · habituation · reinforcing · rewarding · dopamine · escalating · cycle
Intense wanting
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- hungerNeed for nourishment
- urgeStrong inner drive
need · withdrawal · dependency · ache · temptation · itch · appetite · thirst
engrossing
Completely holding one's attention
- mesmerizingCompletely capturing one's attention
- enthrallingDeeply fascinating and gripping
- fascinatingExtremely interesting or captivating
absorbing · gripping · compelling · riveting · spellbinding · immersive · hypnotic · binge-worthy · unputdownable · arresting
irresistible
Impossible to withstand
- uncontrollableImpossible to restrain
- compulsionIrresistible urge to act
- drivenIntensely determined to achieve
involuntary · obsessive · persistent · repetitive · overpowering · unstoppable · incessant · consuming · all-consuming · relentless
hooked
Deeply dependent or bent
- dependenceState of needing another
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- habitualDone by routine
ingrained · entrenched · conditioning · habituation · reinforcing · rewarding · dopamine · escalating · cycle · pattern
desire
Intense wanting
urge · need · withdrawal · dependency · ache · temptation · itch · appetite · thirst · pining
addictingnon-addicting
Unable to cause dependency
nonaddicting · harmless · take-it-or-leave-it · uncompelling · innocuous
addictingrepellent
Causes strong aversion
repulsive · off-putting · boring · unengaging · tedious
- digital addictionCompulsive device overuse
- drug addictionCompulsive need for intoxicants
- gambling addictionUncontrollable urge to wager
- sexual addictionCompulsive erotic behavior disorder
- phone addictionCompulsive device use
- alcohol addictionDependence on intoxicating beverages