correctness

[kuh-rekt-nis]

noun

1. conformity to fact or truth; freedom from error; accuracy.

   The correctness of the eyewitness’s account was later called into question.

2. the quality of being proper; conformity to an acknowledged or accepted standard.

   We are concerned with the correctness of our probationers' conduct.

3. the quality of being just or right in a judgment or opinion.

   We accepted the correctness of the tribunal’s ruling.

4. an indication of or adherence to a liberal or progressive ideology on matters of ethnicity, religion, sexuality, ecology, etc..

   A car strewn with Styrofoam cups is hardly a testimony to environmental correctness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of correctness¹

First recorded in 1670–90; correct ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Of course conservatives complained about all this constantly and at great length, and sporadically tried to organize boycotts or other counterattacks against such shibboleths as “affirmative action,” “political correctness,” “multiculturalism” and “cultural Marxism.”

From Salon

I bring this up to reiterate the central point that these protests are happening clear across “middle America,” not just in bastions of liberal preciousness and “political correctness.”

From Salon

His frequent railing against “rampant political correctness,” multiculturalism and the perceived failings of his Latino classmates.

From Los Angeles Times

He also said there was a further issue about the "correctness" of new evidence provided by a very senior MI5 officer.

From BBC

She said actions to address harassment and violence against women, and other groups facing discrimination were increasingly perceived as political correctness.

From BBC

Related Words

• civility 
• decency 
• decorum 
• fitness 
• rightness