Addicting vs. Addictive

What is the Difference Between Addicting and Addictive?

When to Use Addicting

Addicting is a verb. It is the present participle of the verb addict, which means to cause someone to be physiologically dependent.

As is the case with addictive, addicting is often used outside of this medical context to loosely refer to anything habitually enjoyable, like games, media, and junk food.

When to Use Addictive

The word addictive is an adjective. In its purest medical sense, it means causing physiological dependence, as with certain habit-forming drugs.

Addictive is the adjective form of the verb addict. Addiction is a noun that means a physiological dependence, and the associated adverb would be addictively.

Summary

Is it addicting or addictive? Both of these words have to do with becoming dependent or addicted to something.

Addictive is an adjective that means likely to cause physiological dependence.

Addicting is a present participle of the verb addict. While either works as an adjective, addictive is the better choice.