# absorptiveness

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/absorptiveness
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the ability of a material to take in or soak up something, like water or heat. It describes how much of a substance a surface can hold.

For teachers: the property of a material that allows it to take in or soak up another substance, such as water, light, or sound. Often used in scientific contexts to describe the efficiency of a medium in capturing energy or matter.

## Examples

- The absorptiveness of the fabric makes it perfect for summer clothes.
- Engineers tested the absorptiveness of various materials to find the best one for the solar panels.
- The high absorptiveness of the black paint ensured that the building's exterior reached dangerous temperatures during the midday sun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.