Meaning & Definition of Serious in English

1. Concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

• "A serious student of history"

• "A serious attempt to learn to ski"

• "Gave me a serious look"

• "A serious young man"

• "Are you serious or joking?"

• "Don't be so serious!"

2. Of great consequence

• "Marriage is a serious matter"

3. Causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm

• "A dangerous operation"

• "A grave situation"

• "A grave illness"

• "Grievous bodily harm"

• "A serious wound"

• "A serious turn of events"

• "A severe case of pneumonia"

• "A life-threatening disease"

4. Appealing to the mind

• "Good music"

• "A serious book"

5. Completely lacking in playfulness

6. Requiring effort or concentration

• Complex and not easy to answer or solve

• "Raised serious objections to the proposal"

• "The plan has a serious flaw"