noun
Uncommon
seriousness
SEER-ree-uhs-nuhs
Seriousness (noun) means the quality of being serious, grave, or important. Example: “The seriousness of the situation finally sank in.”
noun
1
The quality of being serious, grave, or important.
"The seriousness of the situation finally sank in."
"The doctor explained the seriousness of the illness in a calm, gentle voice."
"Nobody laughed because they all understood the seriousness of the mistake."
"Though Bane’s sing-song voice gives his pronouncements a funny lilt, he doesn’t have any of the Joker’s deranged wit, and Nolan isn’t interested in undercutting his seriousness for the sake of a breezier entertainment."
— Scott Tobias, The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
How to use seriousness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow serious, important, or grave something is.
Common pairings
the seriousness of
with all seriousness
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Word forms
- Plural
- seriousnesses
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The _____ of the situation finally sank in.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for seriousness
See all rhymes for seriousness →Frequently asked questions
What does “seriousness” mean?
The word “seriousness” means the quality of being serious, grave, or important. In plain terms, how serious, important, or grave something is.
How do you pronounce “seriousness”?
“Seriousness” is pronounced SEER-ree-uhs-nuhs (/ˈsɪɹiəsnəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “seriousness” in a sentence?
Here is “seriousness” used in a sentence: “The seriousness of the situation finally sank in.”
What part of speech is “seriousness”?
“Seriousness” is a noun.
Is “seriousness” a common word?
“Seriousness” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between seriousness and severity?
Seriousness refers broadly to the quality of being grave, important, or not frivolous. Severity specifically emphasizes harshness or intensity, such as how extreme a punishment or situation is. A situation can have seriousness without necessarily being described as severe.
When is seriousness used in formal versus casual contexts?
Seriousness is common in both formal writing, such as legal or medical contexts describing the gravity of a matter, and everyday speech, such as questioning someone's seriousness about a plan or relationship. Its meaning stays consistent across registers.
What is the difference between seriousness and solemnity?
Seriousness describes the general quality of being grave or important, while solemnity leans more toward a formal, dignified, or ceremonial tone. Solemnity is often used for occasions like funerals or oaths, whereas seriousness applies more widely.
