baseness

[beys-nis]

noun

1. the state or quality of being dishonorable, cowardly, selfish, or mean-spirited; morally despicable character.

   He says that this sort of advertising reflects “the baseness and moral depravity of the present culture.”

2. lack of value; relative worthlessness.

   Despite the rust spots and the baseness of the metal, these antique iron door knockers are still beautiful.

3. the quality of being menial or undignified.

   He helped with the farm chores, without balking at the baseness of any task that was asked of him.

4. illegitimacy of birth.

   The usurper’s enemies decried the baseness of his birth—he was the late king’s bastard son.

5. the quality or condition of being unrefined, unsophisticated, or of low social status.

   The baseness of their position could not detract from the nobility of their character.

Word History and Origins

Origin of baseness¹

First recorded in 1530–40; base ² ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )