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.

In their day, Dylan and The Beatles challenged each other not only to eschew taking their own inherent greatness for granted, but to accept the risks that being a true artist demands.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

“Netflix’s greatness is so strong that I can now focus on new things.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

A surefire sign of a sports star who wants to achieve true greatness is the ability to recalibrate, realign and reach their next goal.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

But, with more than a bit of desperation, he regards his work in miniaturization as his “last chance at greatness,” greatness mattering to him a great deal.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

‘Why do you look out? Do you wish to see the greatness of our army? We are the fighting Uruk-hai.’

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

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