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

Derived Forms

• near-deafness
  noun

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

But amid blizzards, subzero winds, outrageous acts of state terror and every other despair lurking in The Big Dark, it’s a readily accessible, harmonious cul-de-sac in an era of rampant tone deafness.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

"How many people carry variants in this gene and is there a susceptibility to deafness or age-dependent hearing loss?" she said.

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2025

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

He had cultivated this deafness for as many years as he had been married to Auntie.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko