Word
abstractness
Phoneticsab·stract·ness
Definition
n. the quality of being difficult to understand or not related to real life. It describes ideas or art that are very general and not tied to specific things.
n. the quality of being conceptual, theoretical, or detached from concrete reality. Often describes intellectual or artistic works that lack specific detail or practical application.
Examples
“The professor criticized the essay for its abstractness.”
“The artist's latest paintings are famous for their abstractness, focusing on colors and shapes rather than clear images.”
“While the theory provides a useful framework, its abstractness makes it difficult for policymakers to apply to real-world economic conditions without further data.”
Examples
simple
“The professor criticized the essay for its abstractness.”
contextual
“The artist's latest paintings are famous for their abstractness, focusing on colors and shapes rather than clear images.”
complex
“While the theory provides a useful framework, its abstractness makes it difficult for policymakers to apply to real-world economic conditions without further data.”
Etymology
From abstract + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/abstractness