openness

American  

[oh-puhn-nis] / ˈoʊ pən nɪs /

noun

1. the quality or state of being relatively free from obstruction or relatively unoccupied.

   The openness and the easy flow between the rooms make them appear larger.

   The vast openness of the desert stretched before us, broken only by cacti and spectacular rock formations.

2. the quality or state of being unrestricted or not able to be restricted.

   In this age of openness through satellite, cell phones, the internet, and social media, it may be possible to restrict or slow down the flow of information, but it is impossible to stop it.

3. the quality or state of being public or unconcealed.

   The foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit, is dedicated to using the power of the internet to achieve greater government openness and transparency.

   Many variables can have an impact on comparative growth rates, such as the size and openness of a country's economy.

4. the quality or state of being accessible or available.

   Canada’s openness to immigrants and familiar Frenchness made it more attractive to Haitians escaping political instability.

5. the quality of being receptive to new ideas, opinions, or arguments; open-mindedness.

   This calls for active listeners who do not wish to have their expectations confirmed, but who bring with them a certain curiosity and openness to the world.

   While avoiding overtly controversial work, the awards committee has displayed an openness to unconventional or even critical art.

6. an unreserved, candid, or frank manner.

   I suspect, but cannot prove, that my ongoing openness regarding the exaggerations, misstatements, and mischaracterizations in the company’s promotional materials led to my being fired.

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Other Word Forms

• semiopenness noun

Etymology

Origin of openness

First recorded before 900; open ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

While the business has been praised for its openness by some, Ratula Chakraborty, a professor of business management at the University of East Anglia, argues Bun X could do more to cater to allergens.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The countries, among the world's poorest, have shown an openness to US investment despite their vows to protect sovereignty.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

She describes her personal experiences with an insight, vulnerability and openness that is reminiscent of the raw emotions of Peet’s recent performances, which traffic in an understated, unassuming power.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

In the months leading up to the U.S. and Israeli campaign, senior Arab officials say Araghchi flitted between openness, at times joining friendly dinners, and menacing by appearing to imply Iran might attack its neighbors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

I was a bit surprised at this collective openness of demeanor—neither stares nor disapproving looks—until it occurred to me that these people probably didn’t realize we were from the college.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt