thoroughness
Americannoun
-
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.
-
completeness or perfection.
I had my doubts about the thoroughness of his knowledge of the subject.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of thoroughness
Explanation
When you pay careful attention to doing a task exactly right, that's thoroughness. Your thoroughness in cleaning the kitchen means that no one would ever guess you spilled brownie batter all over the floor. Thoroughness is seeing something through with meticulous care — the word's Old English root means "from end to end." The thoroughness of your research meant that you really knew what you were getting into when you adopted a puppy. A newspaper fact-checker's thoroughness means she'll get all the important details right, and printed articles won't include mistakes. And a detective's thoroughness might result in the return of your stolen laptop.
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.
It’s a role that requires extreme attention to detail and thoroughness, as their work bridges the healthcare and legal systems.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026
Like most laypeople, you’re not in an authoritative position to judge the accuracy and thoroughness of your estate-planning documents.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 6, 2025
“The American Edge,” by Seth G. Jones, stands out for its thoroughness, covering every phase of defense industrial policy since World War II.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025
"Above all, we owe it to the victims and survivors to ensure that their needs are met with compassion and thoroughness."
From BBC • Sep. 19, 2025
He lapped with delicate unhurried thoroughness, helping himself to two more before retiring to his woodpile again.
From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford
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.
