deafness

American  

[def-nis] / ˈdɛf nɪs /

noun

1. the condition of being deaf; inability to hear.

2. unwillingness to listen.

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deafness Scientific  

/ dĕf′nĭs /

1. The lack or severe impairment of the ability to hear. Deafness is usually genetic or congenital as a result of prenatal viral infection, birth trauma, or other causes. Acquired deafness is caused mostly by drug toxicity, trauma, and certain diseases. Cochlear implants are used to treat some forms of deafness.

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Other Word Forms

• near-deafness
  noun

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

deafness

"It will also prevent others from suffering lifelong conditions such as amputations, deafness, and cognitive issues to name a few," she said.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

English historian Simon Schama described Hegseth’s words as “a special kind of loathsomeness: a blend of historical deafness, grotesque stupidity and comically ludicrous self-importance.”

From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2026

The children were thriving, learning American Sign Language and unbothered by their deafness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026

A new study shows that gene therapy can significantly improve hearing in people born with congenital deafness or severe hearing loss.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 3, 2026

I feel sorry for the boys with flat feet or severe asthma or partial deafness who I see in the store after their buddies are gone, aimlessly wandering the aisles.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

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