continually

American  

[kuhn-tin-yoo-uh-lee] / kənˈtɪn yu ə li /

adverb

1. very often; at regular or frequent intervals; habitually.

2. without cessation or intermission; unceasingly; always.

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Commonly Confused

See continual.

Etymology

Origin of continually

First recorded in 1175–1225, continually is from the Middle English word continuelli, continueliche; see continual, -ly

Explanation

When you do something continually, you do it over and over again. If you keep checking your email to see if you've gotten an important message, you can say you check it continually. The adverb continually is good for describing something you do repeatedly, or on a regular basis. Your little brother, for example, might complain continually that he's hungry for ice cream. The word continuously is easy to confuse with continually — when you do something continually, you take breaks in between, but when you do it continuously, you don't stop at all. Both come from a Latin root, continuare, or "join together."

Example Sentences

Drugmakers are under pressure to continually find new drugs to replace older products that lose sales when their patent protection runs out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

"We've got extremely high fish prices, we've got energy prices; wages go up continually," he lamented.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

"As part of our commitment to road safety, we are continually working with schools throughout Northern Ireland to educate pupils about road safety and raise awareness," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Probst also notes the necessity of continually evolving game design, creating unexpected twists and advantages to keep players on edge and never knowing whom to trust.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Is your stomach continually kicking up a disturbance?

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Related Words

• constantly
• continuously
• frequently
• regularly