Seriousness

/ˈsɪr.i.əs.nəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The quality or state of being serious; earnestness or gravity.
The seriousness of the situation called for immediate action.
An attitude of being solemn or not joking.
His seriousness during the meeting emphasized the importance of the topic.
The condition of being important or significant.
The seriousness of climate change cannot be overstated.
The degree to which something is serious or critical.
They assessed the seriousness of the injuries before deciding to call for help.

Etymology

Derived from the word 'serious' with the suffix '-ness' indicating a state or quality.

Common Phrases and Expressions

in all seriousness:
To be completely serious about something.
serious as a heart attack:
Extremely serious; of great importance.
to take something seriously:
To treat something as important and not as a joke.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

No joking around.
When I say I'm done, I mean it - no seriousness here.
Bringing the mood down.
Don't be a buzzkill, stop with the seriousness.