Word
drowsiness
Phoneticsdrowsi·ness
US/ˈdɹaʊzinəs/
UK/dɹˈaʊsɪnəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a sleepy, heavy feeling that makes it hard to keep your eyes open or stay awake.
n. sleepiness marked by heavy eyes, slowed reactions, and a strong inclination to fall asleep.
Examples
“Drowsiness makes it hard to focus in class.”
“After lunch, drowsiness settles over the office and everyone reaches for coffee.”
“The long drive through flat farmland induced a quiet drowsiness that he fought by opening the window to the cold night air.”
Examples
simple
“Drowsiness makes it hard to focus in class.”
contextual
“After lunch, drowsiness settles over the office and everyone reaches for coffee.”
complex
“The long drive through flat farmland induced a quiet drowsiness that he fought by opening the window to the cold night air.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “drowsiness” in context.
Verb
01. cause drowsiness
“Some cold medicines can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving.”
verb + noun
02. combat drowsiness
“She drank strong coffee to combat drowsiness during the lecture.”
verb + noun
03. drowsiness sets in
“Drowsiness sets in quickly in a warm, dark room after lunch.”
noun + verb + prep
04. induce drowsiness
“The sedative was given to induce drowsiness before surgery.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. daytime drowsiness
“Shift workers often struggle with daytime drowsiness and poor concentration.”
adj + noun
06. excessive drowsiness
“This antihistamine is known to cause excessive drowsiness during the day.”
adj + noun
07. mild drowsiness
“He felt only mild drowsiness after taking half the prescribed dose.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. bout of drowsiness
“He was overcome by a sudden bout of drowsiness in the meeting.”
noun + prep + noun
09. moment of drowsiness
“He experienced a brief moment of drowsiness during the long film.”
noun + prep + noun
10. combat excessive daytime drowsiness
“Doctors recommend regular sleep to combat excessive daytime drowsiness.”
11. fight off daytime drowsiness
“A short walk and fresh air can help fight off daytime drowsiness.”
12. may cause drowsiness
“This medication may cause drowsiness; do not operate heavy machinery.”
Real-World Examples
“The problem is that with the older types of first-generation antihistamines, drowsiness was a common side-effect.” “A recent study from France indicates that drowsiness while driving poses dangers comparable to those of driving under the influence of alcohol.” Etymology
From drowsy + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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