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

They performed the task with Ivy League thoroughness and efficiency.

Read more on Literature

“The American Edge,” by Seth G. Jones, stands out for its thoroughness, covering every phase of defense industrial policy since World War II.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He added: “We are grateful for the thoroughness of the people and institutions working on this.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times