Word
smoothness
Phoneticssmooth·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsmuðnəs/
UK/smˈuːðnəs/
Definition
n. the quality of being flat, even, and free of any rough or bumpy parts. You use this to describe things like a surface, a voice, or a ride.
n. the quality of being free from irregularities, bumps, or roughness. Often used to describe physical surfaces, vocal tones, or the flow of a process.
Examples
“The smoothness of the marble floor makes it easy to clean.”
“The pilot praised the smoothness of the flight, noting that there were no sudden bumps or turbulence.”
“The artisan's skill is evident in the smoothness of the pottery, which feels perfectly even to the touch despite the complex patterns etched into the surface.”
Examples
simple
“The smoothness of the marble floor makes it easy to clean.”
contextual
“The pilot praised the smoothness of the flight, noting that there were no sudden bumps or turbulence.”
complex
“The artisan's skill is evident in the smoothness of the pottery, which feels perfectly even to the touch despite the complex patterns etched into the surface.”
Real-World Examples
“My own research examines how the smoothness of AI-generated communication leads people to trust it.” “It was the power and directness of his running; the smoothness of it, the quickness of his moves.” Etymology
From Middle English smothenesse; equivalent to smooth + -ness. Compare Old English smēþnes (“smoothness, a smooth place, a level surface”).
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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