seriousness

[seer-ee-uhs-nis]

noun

1. earnest or sincere character or attitude.

   The proposal was talked about, but I can't say with how much seriousness it was discussed.

2. solemn or somber character or attitude.

   Is that why your face is so grim—you're fighting to maintain seriousness and not laugh at the speaker’s name?

3. the quality of showing or requiring deep thought or concentration.

   The two chefs approach their gourmet cuisine with the pensive seriousness others might bring to a difficult math problem.

4. the quality of being important or weighty, or of giving cause for concern.

   We need educational tools that convey the seriousness of copyright infringement, as well as its consequences and penalties.

Other Word Forms

• half-seriousness noun
• nonseriousness noun
• overseriousness noun
• superseriousness noun
• ultraseriousness noun
• unseriousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of seriousness¹

serious ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

I have always taken my responsibilities as Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, as well as a Member of Parliament with the utmost seriousness.

From BBC

Taking nothing too serious while being surrounded by complete seriousness, and with “Gutfeld!” pulling in some of the strongest ratings on TV, he’s proving that irreverence can be its own kind of relevance.

From Los Angeles Times

Sarwar said he had had not been aware of any concerns about Smyth's behaviour prior to his arrest, but that Labour suspended him as soon as it knew of the "seriousness of the allegations".

From BBC

Child health experts have said some parents may not vaccinate their children because they underestimate the seriousness of the disease.

From BBC

"If the meeting proceeds, any recommendations made should be rejected as lacking legitimacy given the seriousness of the allegations and the current turmoil in CDC leadership," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• enormity 
• gravity 
• importance 
• significance 
• urgency