inquisitiveness

American  

[in-kwiz-i-tiv-nis] / ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tɪv nɪs /

noun

1. the quality of being given to asking questions; intellectual curiosity or eagerness for knowledge.

   Younger students often have an amazing sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness that naturally leads them into exploring and learning.

2. the quality of being excessively or inappropriately curious about other people’s affairs; nosiness.

   My landlord's inquisitiveness made me determined to seek more desirable accommodations elsewhere.

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Other Word Forms

• superinquisitiveness
  noun
• uninquisitiveness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of inquisitiveness

inquisitive ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Of course she winds up paying for her inquisitiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

And then, for a moment, Blackley does channel his inner Willy Wonka, wondering if, through chocolate, we can rediscover some childlike wonder and inquisitiveness.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025

"But I've got enough creativity and inquisitiveness to find learning opportunities as we go."

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2024

I now bear a visual reminder of one creature that sparked my wonder of the natural world, and of those people I cherish because of their inquisitiveness, their science knowledge, integrity and their friendship.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023

‘You’ll get information enough, sooner or later. My dear Pippin, no Took ever beat a Brandybuck for inquisitiveness; but is this the time, I ask you?’

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