thoroughness

[thur-oh-ngis, thuhr-]

noun

1. the quality of being painstakingly and comprehensively executed, without errors or omissions; the act or practice of executing tasks in this way.

   My old cookbook remains unmatched in the clarity and thoroughness of its explanations.

   They were greatly impressed by the FBI's speed and thoroughness.

2. completeness or perfection.

   I had my doubts about the thoroughness of his knowledge of the subject.

Other Word Forms

• superthoroughness noun
• unthoroughness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thoroughness¹

thorough ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

"Above all, we owe it to the victims and survivors to ensure that their needs are met with compassion and thoroughness."

From BBC

One can admire Guralnick’s thoroughness and sense of mission while also wishing for tighter results.

From Los Angeles Times

The LLR concluded the police response meant "opportunities have been missed" and the force's initial investigation appeared "to lack thoroughness".

From BBC

Pagels is conversant with every version of the gospels — even the most obscure — and wades through them with forensic thoroughness.

From Los Angeles Times

She says she is "astonished by the speed and thoroughness with which Bridget Phillipson has moved to dismantle every main pillar of the system".

From BBC