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

However, he said he wanted to establish himself on the comedy scene before bringing deafness into his sets.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 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

Isaac has permanent hearing loss in both ears and his deafness was picked up soon after birth, thanks to a newborn hearing screening programme.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

“Oh, and Malfoy knows, of course,” said Harry to Ron and Hermione, who continued their new policy of feigning deafness whenever Harry mentioned his Malfoy-Is-a-Death-Eater theory.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling