forwardness

[ fawr-werd-nis ]

noun

1. overreadiness to push oneself forward; lack of appropriate modesty; presumption; boldness.
2. cheerful readiness; eagerness.
3. the condition of being advanced.

ˈforwardness

/ ˈfɔːwədnɪs /

noun

1. lack of modesty; presumption; boldness
2. willing readiness; eagerness
3. a state or condition of advanced progress or development

Word History and Origins

Origin of forwardness¹

First recorded in 1515–25; forward + -ness

Example Sentences

Pardon my forwardness — and my ignorance, for not knowing your work until now! — but I’m overwhelmed by your lucid musicality.

From New York Times

And the Zoom meeting was not the first time Mr. Toobin has surprised someone in the business with his sexual forwardness.

From New York Times

When she doesn’t resist his kisses, he declares himself disgusted by her forwardness.

From The New Yorker

He stood up, aghast at Miss Riley’s forwardness, brushing imaginary debris from his vest.

From Literature

His forwardness and audacity often caught them off guard.

From Literature