abruptness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abruptness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being sudden or unexpected, often in a manner that is jarring or lacking in smoothness. Example: "The abruptness of his departure left everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These former academics and teachers, startled by the abruptness of their elevation and untrained for office, quail at the approach of journalists.

The Economist

But the abruptness of both extinctions indicates that the coup de grâce was administered by something else, and in the case of the Permian some fragments of meteorite of the correct age, found in rock in Antarctica, suggest that, as with the Cretaceous, that something was an asteroid or a comet.

The Economist

SPEED is not something normally associated with the quiet, subtle style of traditional Saudi diplomacy, yet the abruptness of the flip-flop performed by the kingdom on October 18th was stunning by any standard.

The Economist

SPEED is not generally associated with the hushed style of traditional Saudi diplomacy, yet the abruptness of the kingdom's flip-flop on October 18th was stunning by any standard.

The Economist

WHEN Tunisia cancelled a planned summit of Arab leaders it was to have hosted this week, the move's abruptness was not the only surprise.

The Economist

From this vantage point, the abruptness of China's current slowdown looks more cyclical than structural.

The Economist

Indeed, any elections that have been held in the region seem to owe more to American abruptness than to European patience.

The Economist

The abruptness of the change added to the utilities' woes, though many of the plants were scheduled for closure anyway.The other influence was the shale-gas bonanza in America.

The Economist

Ms Zinovieff reluctantly concedes that her grandmother was not just chronically unfaithful but wildly promiscuous ("bedding" was her own word for casual sex); worse, her hapless children were left in strange hands for long periods, and then moved with a cruel abruptness that even the kindest biographer can hardly excuse.

The Economist

Also, because of its abruptness, much of his monsoon of additional resources will fail to seep through to the quality of services supplied; instead, it will mostly wash away in inflated costs and higher public-sector wages.In macroeconomic policy, Mr Brown is a huge improvement over previous Labour chancellors, not least because he understands the Treasury's limitations in that sphere.

The Economist

But the abruptness of Sheikh Tantawi's order, and the fact that it came from Egypt's highest seat of Islamic teaching, stirred an outcry both from conservatives and from campaigners for civil liberties.That storm has quieted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action or event, use "abruptness" to emphasize the unexpected and immediate nature of the change. For example, "The "abruptness" of the decision shocked everyone."

Common error

Avoid using "abruptness" solely to describe someone's behavior if the intention is to convey rudeness. While "abruptness" can be a component of rude behavior, it primarily denotes suddenness. Consider using words like "rudeness", "curtness", or "brusqueness" for more accurate descriptions of impolite behavior.

Linguistic Context

The noun "abruptness" primarily functions as a descriptor of a quality or state characterized by suddenness or unexpectedness. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples illustrating its use in describing events, changes, and manners. It is used to denote a lack of smoothness or transition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abruptness" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun used to characterize the quality of being sudden and unexpected. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to emphasize the lack of smoothness or transition in events, changes, or behaviors, with examples spanning diverse contexts, especially news media. While the term carries a neutral register, it is critical to avoid confusing "abruptness" solely with rudeness. Exploring alternatives such as "suddenness", "curtness", or "unexpectedness" can ensure more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suddenness

Focuses on the quick and immediate nature of something.

sudden change

Highlights the unexpected alteration or shift.

unexpectedness

Emphasizes the element of surprise and lack of anticipation.

curtness

Refers to a concise and sometimes rude manner.

brusqueness

Suggests a rough and blunt manner.

sharpness

Implies a keen and sudden quality.

precipitousness

Indicates a steep and sudden decline or change.

unceremoniousness

Describes a lack of formality or politeness.

immediate transition

Highlights the swift shift from one state to another.

lack of gradualness

Focuses on the absence of a slow or progressive development.

FAQs

How can I use "abruptness" in a sentence?

"Abruptness" is often used to describe the sudden or unexpected nature of an event, change, or action. For example, "The "abruptness" of the storm caught everyone off guard."

What are some synonyms for "abruptness"?

Alternatives for "abruptness" include "suddenness", "curtness", "brusqueness", and "unexpectedness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "abruptness" and "suddenness"?

While both terms relate to immediacy, "abruptness" often implies a lack of smoothness or transition, whereas "suddenness" simply refers to something happening quickly. "Abruptness" can also carry a connotation of being jarring or unsettling.

Is it correct to describe someone's personality as having "abruptness"?

Yes, it's correct, but consider that it may imply a lack of social graces or tact. Alternatives such as "curtness" or "brusqueness" might be more fitting if the intent is to criticize their manner.