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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

deafness

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

All had a genetic form of deafness linked to mutations in a gene called OTOF.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 3, 2026

Thousands of British military personnel have started legal action after being given ear protection they say was faulty and led to life-changing injuries such as tinnitus and deafness.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2025

Genie guessed whatever they talked about last night when he was upstairs praying for his own deafness and the end of Grandpop’s sobbing—the sound of black sheep—went well.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds