foulness

[ foul-nis ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being foul:

   The foulness of the accusation incensed us all.

2. something that is foul; foul matter; filth.
3. wickedness.

foulness

¹

/ ˈfaʊlnɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being foul
2. obscenity; vulgarity
3. viciousness or inhumanity
4. foul matter; filth

Foulness

²

/ faʊlˈnɛs /

noun

1. a flat marshy island in SE England, in Essex north of the Thames estuary

Word History and Origins

Origin of foulness¹

before 1150; Middle English; Old English fūlnes. See foul, -ness

Example Sentences

In the decades since, though, the main charge against the show hasn’t been foulness so much as incoherence.

From New York Times

The foulness is in the very air they breathe; they might choke if they thought about it.

From New York Times

The foulness of these places, for the animals that live in them and the people who live near them, truly defies words.

From New York Times

Chaus said Ukrainian forces have begun ridding the area of mines and clearing out the “foulness” left behind by the retreating Russians.

From Washington Post

How does she have time to throw such petty foulness into the town square?

From Washington Post