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

He added other measures had been introduced such as clear expectations of acceptable behaviours, an independent Freedom to Speak Up service and that the trust continually reviews how it supports staff well-being.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

However, Dodger ownership doesn’t put those profits into their pocket, they continually reinvest back into the organization in order to maintain a championship team.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Brands like Built and Barebells are continually innovating, Gunther said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“Families continually misjudge how fast the need for care can expand,” says Farr.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

And I didn’t let it deter me from continually trying to break the ice between my teammates and myself.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

• constantly
• continuously
• frequently
• regularly