noun
drowsiness
DROW-zee-nuhs
Drowsiness (noun) means the state of feeling sleepy and not fully alert. Example: “Drowsiness is a common side effect of some cold remedies.”
noun
1
The state of feeling sleepy and not fully alert.
"Drowsiness is a common side effect of some cold remedies."
"She fought off drowsiness during the long afternoon meeting."
"Signs of drowsiness at the wheel include yawning and heavy eyelids."
How to use drowsiness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThat heavy, sleepy feeling when you can hardly keep your eyes open.
When to use it
It is a neutral word that suits both everyday speech and medical or safety writing.
Memory tip
Drowsiness is the noun; use drowsy when you want to describe a person or thing.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
cause drowsiness
cause of drowsiness
drowsiness and dizziness
fight off drowsiness
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ is a common side effect of some cold remedies.
Etymology
The word is formed in English from the adjective drowsy plus the suffix -ness, which turns an adjective into a noun for a state.
Synonyms
View more →
sleepiness
somnolence
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for drowsiness
business
ugliness
laziness
holiness
happiness
craziness
weariness
readiness
emptiness
manliness
dizziness
tardiness
See all rhymes for drowsiness →
Frequently asked questions
What does drowsiness mean?
Drowsiness is the state of being drowsy, meaning sleepy and not fully alert.
Is drowsiness countable?
It is usually uncountable, so you normally say drowsiness rather than a drowsiness. The plural drowsinesses exists but is rare.
What is the difference between drowsiness and tiredness?
Drowsiness is the specific feeling of being ready to fall asleep, while tiredness is a broader lack of energy that does not always make you sleepy.
What is the meaning of drowsiness?
"drowsiness" (noun) means the state of feeling sleepy and not fully alert.
