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

And in a season already heavy with sugar, that kind of thoughtfulness can feel downright luxurious.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

Matt Wilson at the ASA says the issue highlighted brands' responsibilities and "the thoughtfulness they need to take".

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2025

DecantPlanet threw in three free vials and a signed, handwritten note on the receipt, a touch that further convinces me of the thoughtfulness of scent lovers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2025

There's a thoughtfulness and a subtle sophistication to a chilled dish: it’s curated, it’s careful, it’s precise.

From Salon • May 30, 2025

A look of mysterious thoughtfulness crossed his face.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Related Words

• kindness