greatness

[greyt-nis]

noun

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of greatness¹

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

Example Sentences

His alleged greatness, she has said, is such that she’s “never seen anything like it.”

Read more on Salon

This was a side made for the occasion, that knew they were on the cusp of greatness and took their opportunity.

Read more on BBC

In 2025 it is the Robins who stand on the precipice of sporting greatness as they target a trio of trophies of their own.

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In fact, as these letters make plain, this ability to marvel and thank was anything but a hindrance to greatness.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Glimpses of that greatness have been on display ever since.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dignity 
• fame 
• generosity 
• glory 
• grandeur 
• heroism 
• importance 
• majesty 
• merit 
• morality 
• nobility 
• prominence