obsequiousness

[ uhb-see-kwee-uhs-nis ]

noun

1. slavish or fawning obedience or excessive eagerness to please:

   Once they’d gained self-respect through education, women were no longer willing to show obsequiousness or blind obedience.

Other Words From

• o·ver·ob·se·qui·ous·ness noun
• un·ob·se·qui·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obsequiousness¹

obsequious ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

The obsequiousness of politicians before the wealthy is a thing to behold.

From Salon

If Pravda had written such a piece, Vladimir Putin would have had the writers killed — for slavish obsequiousness.

From Washington Times

Sure, prime time host Sean Hannity conducted an obsequious interview with the former president a few days ago, but obsequiousness is Hannity’s natural state when in the same room with any right-wing demigod.

From Seattle Times

In the beginning of the ’90s, when he’s hit with the steroid scandal and other scandals, his response is this little bit of obsequiousness.

From Los Angeles Times

Once, when he’s bitterly mocking his own obsequiousness to patrons, the miming heightens expression; otherwise, it’s superfluous.

From New York Times

Related Words

• admiration
• adoration
• awe
• deference
• devotion
• esteem
• loyalty
• piety
• respect
• veneration

More About Obsequiousness

What is obsequiousness?

Obsequiousness is the act of making your wishes secondary to someone else’s wishes, as in The loyal butler was noted for his undying obsequiousness to his employer.

Obsequiousness describes a situation in which a person obediently serves someone else and is eager to please them.

Obsequiousness is not a commonly used word. People instead use words with similar meanings (and easier spellings), such as devotion, veneration, deference, or submission.

The word obsequiousness comes from the adjective obsequious, which describes someone demonstrating obedience and eagerness to please, as in The duchess had a team of obsequious servants.

Example: Selvon’s obsequiousness to the decadent earl ensured his long employment as a butler.

Where does obsequiousness come from?

The first records of obsequiousness come from around 1447. It comes from the adjective obsequious, which ultimately comes from the Latin obsequi, meaning “to comply with.” If you are performing acts of obsequiousness, you are following the orders of whoever gave the orders to you.

The word obsequiousness can refer to both willing and unwilling submission. A waiter or personal assistant, for example, will display obsequiousness as part of their job. A prisoner or slave, however, would show obsequiousness to avoid being punished or out of fear.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to obsequiousness?

• obsequious (adjective)
• obsequiously (adverb)
• overobsequious (adjective)
• overobsequiously (adverb)

What are some synonyms for obsequiousness?

• reverence
• deference
• devotion
• veneration

What are some words that share a root or word element with obsequiousness? 

• obsequious

What are some words that often get used in discussing obsequiousness?

• subservience
• servitude
• waiter
• attendant

How is obsequiousness used in real life?

Obsequiousness is an uncommon word that is often used to describe shameful acts of submitting oneself to the demands of others.

When it comes to reporting on the royal family nobody does obsequiousness quite like the British media. #princeharry

— John Smith (son of Harry Leslie Smith) (@Harryslaststand) November 27, 2017

Having dinner with a restaurant critic. The waiters are like, "Could we offer you any more obsequiousness?"

— Patrick Strudwick (@PatrickStrud) January 30, 2014

We are bending over backwards to reach a new level of obsequiousness.🙄

— namgay (@namgayzam) August 16, 2019

Try using obsequiousness!

Which of the following words could be used to describe someone demonstrating obsequiousness?

A. resistance
B. bravery
C. obedience
D. independence