seriousness

[ seer-ee-uhs-nis ]

noun

1. earnest or sincere character or attitude:

   The proposal was talked about, but I can't say with how much seriousness it was discussed.

2. solemn or somber character or attitude:

   Is that why your face is so grim—you're fighting to maintain seriousness and not laugh at the speaker’s name?

3. the quality of showing or requiring deep thought or concentration:

   The two chefs approach their gourmet cuisine with the pensive seriousness others might bring to a difficult math problem.

4. the quality of being important or weighty, or of giving cause for concern:

   We need educational tools that convey the seriousness of copyright infringement, as well as its consequences and penalties.

Other Words From

• half-se·ri·ous·ness noun
• non·se·ri·ous·ness noun
• o·ver·se·ri·ous·ness noun
• su·per·se·ri·ous·ness noun
• ul·tra·se·ri·ous·ness noun
• un·se·ri·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of seriousness¹

serious ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

Earlier this month, Qatar announced that it had paused its efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire and said they would only resume “when the parties show willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war”.

From BBC

District Judge Percy Anderson said the 7½-year prison sentence was necessary for Anna Rene Moore to reflect the seriousness of the offense against a “vulnerable victim.”

From Los Angeles Times

They said “the high level of aggression” in Taylor’s behaviour and the fact children were the victims added to the seriousness of this case.

From BBC

Likewise, although he still pathetically boasts about being “like, really smart” and attending a great business school, Trump never had the brain power, seriousness or attention to detail necessary to become a legit businessman.

From Salon

"By not recognising it as domestic abuse within the legal definition, we may not be recognising the severity and the seriousness of the issue," Kris Koth of Acorns says.

From BBC

Related Words

• enormity
• gravity
• importance
• significance
• urgency