greatness

American

[greyt-nis] / ˈgreɪt nɪs /

noun

the quality or state of being important, notable, or distinguished.

The goal is to inspire students to achieve greatness by taking risks, working hard, and pushing their limits.
The town is considered an important historical landmark, and is known primarily for its architectural greatness and venerable history.
the quality or state of being powerful or intense.

Those who are deemed incurable by reason of the greatness of their crimes are banished and never allowed to return.
the quality or state of being large in size, stature, number, etc..

The ancient stone walls, towering close to 200 feet high, impress with their greatness.

Other Word Forms

overgreatness noun

Etymology

Origin of greatness

great ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Out of all the kids, you’ve always been the most like me, Mavis. We’re motivated to be the best. We want to achieve greatness. You understand, don’t you?”

From Literature

Though a lighter film, 1999 winner “Shakespeare in Love” treads the same boards, imagining a young, struggling Will and the woman who spurs him to greatness.

From Los Angeles Times

When BBC Sport sat down with Ekitike in October, he mentioned Whiplash and The Wolf of Wall Street as his two favourite films - two movies with themes of ambition and pursuit of greatness.

From BBC

In the debate over all-time greats, Mr. Klosterman makes a useful distinction between acquired and natural greatness.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Post’s greatness and expertise can’t easily be replaced and perhaps can’t be replaced at all, or at least not for decades of committed building.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023