richness

British  

/ ˈrɪtʃˌnɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being rich

2. ecology the number of individuals of a species in a given area

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Explanation

Richness is a quality or characteristic, either of having a lot of money or of being plentiful. The richness of exotic bird life in Hawaii may be much more appealing to you than the richness of your wealthy neighbors. When you use the noun richness to talk about an abundance of something, you're emphasizing how luxurious or bountiful it is. And if you mention the richness of a meal or a dessert, you're talking about its delicious, fatty, and filling nature: "The richness of this chocolate mousse is off the charts!" Sometimes richness also means "intensity," as in the richness of the deep blue sky.

Example Sentences

A 2024 systematic review of human studies found that intermittent fasting appears to affect gut microbial richness, diversity, and composition.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

Sometimes I add a bit of still-relatively-affordable chorizo first — not for bulk, but for richness and spice — though soyrizo, which is often slightly more expensive, works beautifully here too.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

The statute that created the agency was clear about what Congress was funding: work of “substantial scholarly and cultural significance” that reflects “the diversity and richness of our American cultural heritage.”

From Slate • May 14, 2026

Described as a "celebration of the richness of all of France's musical cultures," it builds to an earth-quaking climax, with stunning live vocals.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

In terms of species richness, Balee told me, the forest islands of Bolivia are comparable to any place in South America.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• abundance