noun
deafness
DEHF-nuhs
Deafness (noun) means the condition of being unable, or only partly able, to hear. Example: “Her deafness developed gradually over several decades.”
noun
1
The condition of being unable, or only partly able, to hear.
"Her deafness developed gradually over several decades."
"Childhood deafness can affect how a person learns language."
2
A refusal to acknowledge or notice an obvious problem.
"His deafness to criticism eventually cost him the job."
How to use deafness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe state of being deaf, literally or (figuratively) refusing to notice something.
Common pairings
hearing loss and deafness
congenital deafness
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like deafness.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- deafnesses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ developed gradually over several decades.
Etymology
From Old English roots, formed from deaf plus the suffix -ness.
Synonyms
View more →
hearing loss
Frequently asked questions
What does “deafness” mean?
The word “deafness” means the condition of being unable, or only partly able, to hear. In plain terms, the state of being deaf, literally or (figuratively) refusing to notice something.
How do you pronounce “deafness”?
“Deafness” is pronounced DEHF-nuhs (/ˈdɛfnəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “deafness” in a sentence?
Here is “deafness” used in a sentence: “Her deafness developed gradually over several decades.”
What part of speech is “deafness”?
“Deafness” is a noun.
Where does the word “deafness” come from?
The word “deafness” comes from Old English. From Old English roots, formed from deaf plus the suffix -ness.
How many meanings does “deafness” have?
“Deafness” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the condition of being unable, or only partly able, to hear.
