English Reference
Noun

cleanliness

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈkɫɛnɫinɪs/ UK /klˈɛnlɪnəs/ clean·li·ness UK spelling cleanlinesses

n.the state of being clean and free from dirt. It also refers to the habit of keeping yourself and your surroundings tidy.

n.the state or quality of being clean or being kept clean. Refers both to physical hygiene and the habitual practice of maintaining order and sanitation.


SIMPLE

The hospital maintains a high standard of cleanliness.

CONTEXTUAL

The restaurant's reputation suffered after a health inspector raised concerns about the cleanliness of the kitchen.

COMPLEX

In many cultures, cleanliness is not merely a matter of hygiene but is deeply intertwined with spiritual purity and social respectability.

Usage

Uncountable in its abstract sense; often used with the verb 'maintain' or 'ensure'.

Wamara supports monthly the cleanliness campaigns and say such efforts should be expanded and involve more communities.

UN News· 30 Aug 2026

From cleanly + -ness.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated