sobriety

[ suh-brahy-i-tee, soh- ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being sober rather than intoxicated.
2. temperance or moderation, especially in the use of alcoholic beverages.
3. the condition of a person addicted to alcohol, or to some other mood-altering substance, who successfully abstains from its use and from other associated habits while addressing the root causes of dependency and adopting a new outlook on life: abstinence ( def 3 ).

   She’s turned herself around after entering a treatment center with staff who never gave up on her until she achieved sobriety.

   Even once you have attained sobriety, recovery is a lifelong process.

4. seriousness, gravity, or solemnity:

   Our farewell gathering for the six laid-off employees was an event marked by sobriety.

sobriety

/ səʊˈbraɪətɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being sober
2. the quality of refraining from excess
3. the quality of being serious or sedate

Other Words From

• non·so·bri·e·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sobriety¹

1375–1425; late Middle English sobrietie (< Old French sobriete ) < Latin sōbrietās, equivalent to sōbri ( us ) sober + -etās, variant of -itās -ity after vowel stems

Example Sentences

When he slurred and smelled of alcohol, they ordered him out of the car for sobriety tests.

From The Daily Beast

A police officer suspected that she was under the influence of a drug after she failed a series of field sobriety tests.

From The Daily Beast

Sobriety brought a new, kinder, and gentler Womack, who often expressed remorse and regret over his past offenses.

From The Daily Beast

Twitter, like the national debt or Lindsay Lohans's sobriety, is in a constant state of flux.

From The Daily Beast

In a speech to the crowd, the smiling 19-year-old called her journey to sobriety “a miracle.”

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes it comes in literal sobriety, sometimes in derisive travesti, sometimes in tragic aggravation.

From Project Gutenberg

It was one of his good days and, in spite of his sobriety, he had himself in very good control when he left his aunt.

From Project Gutenberg

If the reasons in favour of sobriety seem to him to outweigh the reasons in favour of drink, he will keep sober.

From Project Gutenberg

Bill Talpers's return to sobriety was considerably hastened by alarm after the trader's words with Lowell.

From Project Gutenberg

Robert Nelson's sobriety of judgment and sound practical sense made him a far more effective champion.

From Project Gutenberg