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; 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

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

“The alums who come out continually and who like being around this program is something I’d hoped for,” Chesney said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Liquid helium continually absorbs heat and gradually turns back into a gas, building pressure in its container.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

A spokesperson for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board said it was "committed to educating our teams and to continually improving the ways we identify and treat Meningitis".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

For thirty years she had worked as a governess in wealthy families and she continually compared our behavior with that of the young ladies and gentlemen she was used to.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• constantly
• continuously
• frequently
• regularly