Word
abrasiveness
Phoneticsabra·sive·ness
UK/ɐbɹˈeɪsɪvnəs/
Definition
n. the quality of being very harsh, rude, or difficult to deal with. It describes someone or something that causes friction or pain.
n. the quality of being harsh, coarse, or difficult to tolerate; the property of causing friction or wearing away a surface. Often describes interpersonal behavior or physical materials.
Examples
“His abrasiveness made it hard for him to have friends.”
“The manager's abrasiveness during the meeting caused several employees to leave the room in frustration.”
“The geological survey noted the extreme abrasiveness of the local sandstone, which had worn down the ancient stone tools found in the valley.”
Examples
simple
“His abrasiveness made it hard for him to have friends.”
contextual
“The manager's abrasiveness during the meeting caused several employees to leave the room in frustration.”
complex
“The geological survey noted the extreme abrasiveness of the local sandstone, which had worn down the ancient stone tools found in the valley.”
Etymology
From abrasive + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/abrasiveness