thoughtfulness

American  

[thawt-fuhl-nis] / ˈθɔt fəl nɪs /

noun

1. the characteristic or habit of anticipating and being attentive to the needs and interests of others.

   I was touched by the thoughtfulness of the busy waitress, who rushed to open the heavy door for me when I left.

2. the quality of showing careful, thorough reflection.

   The thoughtfulness of your interview questions really helped all the participants get to know the candidate.

3. a contemplative or meditative state or quality; pensiveness.

   He stood looking down at them in gloomy thoughtfulness.

4. the quality of being careful, heedful, or mindful (usually followed by of).

   Solving problems requires not just knowledge of advanced technology, but thoughtfulness of context and application.

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Other Word Forms

• overthoughtfulness noun
• unthoughtfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of thoughtfulness

thoughtful ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

It doesn’t need to be fancy or fresh out of the oven; the point is the thoughtfulness baked in advance.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2025

That’s what a good ice cube tray is, in the end: a tiny engine of thoughtfulness.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2025

“I just think it really captures her whimsy, her thoughtfulness, her creativity and the joy,” Carlip adds, about the house and book alike.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2025

"The kind thoughtfulness of a passing stranger saved you and the people you targeted", the judge said.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2025

It was midafternoon, and the curtains were drawn, but a lamp in the corner had been left on, a towel draped over the shade to mute it, and the thoughtfulness of this pierced her.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Related Words

• kindness