# drunkenness

/ˈdɹəŋkənnəs/ (US) · /dɹˈʌŋkənnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drunkenness
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the state of being drunk. You use this to describe how someone feels or acts when they have had too much alcohol.

For teachers: the state of being intoxicated by alcohol. Often used to describe the physical and mental effects of excessive consumption.

## Examples

- The drunkenness made it difficult for him to walk straight.
- The police were called to the scene after a loud argument broke out due to drunkenness at the local bar.
- While the legal limits for driving are clear, the effects of drunkenness on reaction time and judgment are often underestimated by those who have consumed only a small amount of alcohol.

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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.