Word
sobriety
Phoneticsso·bri·ety
US/səˈbɹaɪəti/
UK/səbɹˈaɪəti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the state of not being drunk or under the influence of drugs. It can also mean being serious and sensible in your behavior.
n. the state of being sober, specifically the absence of intoxication by alcohol or drugs. In a broader sense, refers to a quality of seriousness, gravity, or solemnity in manner or style.
Examples
“He celebrated five years of continuous sobriety today.”
“The doctor emphasized that maintaining long-term sobriety requires a strong support network and healthy lifestyle changes.”
“The architect's design was praised for its aesthetic sobriety, eschewing modern trends in favor of clean lines and functional simplicity that commanded quiet respect.”
Examples
simple
“He celebrated five years of continuous sobriety today.”
contextual
“The doctor emphasized that maintaining long-term sobriety requires a strong support network and healthy lifestyle changes.”
complex
“The architect's design was praised for its aesthetic sobriety, eschewing modern trends in favor of clean lines and functional simplicity that commanded quiet respect.”
Usage
Uncountable in both its medical and behavioral senses.
Real-World Examples
“Galliano's new statement noted his "15 years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction".” “Even more concerning, common field sobriety tests often failed to detect the cannabis-related impairment.” Etymology
From Old French sobriete, from Latin sobrietas.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sobriety