seriousness
Americannoun
-
earnest or sincere character or attitude.
The proposal was talked about, but I can't say with how much seriousness it was discussed.
-
solemn or somber character or attitude.
Is that why your face is so grim—you're fighting to maintain seriousness and not laugh at the speaker’s name?
-
the quality of showing or requiring deep thought or concentration.
The two chefs approach their gourmet cuisine with the pensive seriousness others might bring to a difficult math problem.
-
the quality of being important or weighty, or of giving cause for concern.
We need educational tools that convey the seriousness of copyright infringement, as well as its consequences and penalties.
Other Word Forms
- half-seriousness noun
- nonseriousness noun
- overseriousness noun
- superseriousness noun
- ultraseriousness noun
- unseriousness noun
Etymology
Origin of seriousness
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.
“TBPN,” shorthand for Technology Business Programming Network, treats technology news with the seriousness of a sportscaster describing a winning play.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
While authorities insist the situation is under control, the imposition of a curfew underscores the seriousness of the threat and the urgency of preventing further escalation.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
Rosenberg and Bardey, the defence's expert witnesses, disagree, saying it instead highlights that Jeffries does not remember his legal restrictions and the seriousness of the situation.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
Forensic-style review introduces a seriousness to something that’s supposed to be fleeting and fun.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
The seriousness of Dad’s condition may be adjudged by the fact that he contented himself with a withering look.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
