Word
seriousness
Phoneticsse·ri·ous·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɪɹiəsnəs/
UK/sˈiəɹɪəsnəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the quality of being important or not funny. You use this to describe a situation that needs careful attention or a person who does not joke much.
n. the quality of being grave, solemn, or significant in nature. Refers to both a person's temperament and the critical importance of a situation.
Examples
“The doctor spoke with great seriousness about the test results.”
“The seriousness of the climate crisis requires immediate action from governments around the world.”
“While the play begins with lighthearted banter, the underlying seriousness of its political themes becomes apparent by the end of the first act.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor spoke with great seriousness about the test results.”
contextual
“The seriousness of the climate crisis requires immediate action from governments around the world.”
complex
“While the play begins with lighthearted banter, the underlying seriousness of its political themes becomes apparent by the end of the first act.”
Usage
Uncountable in its abstract sense; often follows the preposition 'with' to describe how someone speaks or acts.
Real-World Examples
“For the first time, I feel that there is some seriousness on the part of the army in dealing with the settlers,” Hassan said, but added that it had not yet produced tangible results.” “It is a wise decision and a tactful one, underscoring the moral seriousness of this masterpiece, quite aside from its buoyant joy.” Etymology
From serious + -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.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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/seriousness