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

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Etymology

Origin of openness

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

openness

“Without confusing emotional openness with an absence of responsibility or discipline,” he added.

From Salon ● Oct. 18, 2026

"But openness also benefits defenders: researchers can inspect the code, identify weaknesses and improve protection."

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026

He said his election integrity focus is advocating for openness, particularly on the states’ role in running their own elections.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Burnham said he would "always admire the characteristic courage and openness with which she spoke about her illness, making us all think about the difficult questions we face at the end of life".

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

He’s making a gentle show of his openness.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

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