What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
addiction
Example
He has a serious addiction to alcohol and needs professional help. [addiction: noun]
Example
She couldn't resist the urge to check her phone constantly, indicating an addiction to social media. [addiction: noun]
obsession
Example
He has an obsession with cleanliness and spends hours cleaning his house every day. [obsession: noun]
Example
She couldn't stop thinking about her ex-boyfriend, indicating an obsession that was affecting her mental health. [obsession: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Addiction is a more common term than obsession and is often associated with substance abuse. Obsession is less common and is often used in the context of mental health or personal relationships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between addiction and obsession?
Both addiction and obsession can be used in formal and informal contexts, but addiction is more commonly used in medical and scientific settings.
