The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ADDICTION
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
A
D
D
I
C
T
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result ADDICTION
- Extra item about constant dependency
- Job for summer, holding Head of Convent's habit
- Did badly in fighting drug dependency
- Notice speech habit
- This might be the reason one can’t get off Madeira
- Supplement taken around clubs creates unhealthy need
- A way of speaking said to be a habit
- An inability to kick?
- Supplement when cold is caught becoming a habit
- New arrival concealing cocaine dependence
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "habit hard to break" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case habit hard to break = addiction.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ADDICTION mean?
ADDICTION noun- A state that is characterized by compulsive drug use or compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior, despite negative consequences.
- The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination.
- A habit or practice that damages, jeopardizes or shortens one's life but when ceased causes trauma.
- A pathological relationship to mood altering experience that has life damaging consequences.