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

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

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

She instructed her about deafness and blindness—how valuable and necessary they were in the company of whitewomen who spoke English and those who did not, as well as in the presence of their children.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison