cautiousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'cautiousness' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's tendency to take caution when making decisions or taking action. For example, "John's cautiousness prevented him from making a mistake in the negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So did the inveterate cautiousness of Gordon Brown, who chose to wound rather than strike during Mr Blair's moment of greatest weakness in 2004.

The Economist

But though it raises fears about how she would govern, that cautiousness also has its advantages.

The Economist

Spain is also a natural destination for "Latin" Romanians, whose language roots are similar to Spanish.Spain's trade unions have added their voices to the new sense of cautiousness, arguing that immigration would crowd out locals from jobs, while encouraging unscrupulous employers to squeeze wages.

The Economist

But the main qualities every insurance executive must project, and bankers often do not, are cautiousness and far-sightedness.

The Economist

Such cautiousness would have the effect of reducing the overall volume of newly imported species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may be that the excessive cautiousness of his character, the lack of élan and glamour, and the very dullness of the man have prevented historians from universally recognizing the appellation of "the Great," first attributed to him by the Austrian ambassador to his son's court.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is there now a cautiousness amongst the student population?

Independent

Cautiousness in speech was encouraged; licentious expressions were discouraged; and long-established teachings were relied upon for shaping character.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Belafonte has long been critical of Obama's cautiousness in matters of social justice, but changing the lopsided criminal-justice system in the largest city in the United States rivals any of the challenges that Obama is facing.

The New Yorker

Old's cautiousness has frustrated child-welfare advocates… Maggie Lander is a 17-year-old client of Luwana's.

The New Yorker

The cautiousness with which Nancy responded to her son's demands indicates anxiety rather than fear, and it must have made her as lonely as it did him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cautiousness" to describe a general approach or attitude, rather than a specific action. For specific actions, consider using words like "carefully" or "prudently".

Common error

Avoid using "cautiousness" as a blanket term. Specify what someone is being cautious about and why. This adds clarity and prevents the writing from being vague or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The noun "cautiousness" functions as an abstract noun, referring to the state or quality of being cautious. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a tendency to avoid risks and carefully consider potential consequences. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing people's behavior and attitudes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cautiousness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun describing the state of being cautious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a tendency to avoid risks and carefully consider consequences. Its frequency is very common, predominantly appearing in news and media and encyclopedias. When using "cautiousness", ensure that the context is clear, specifying the subject and reason for "cautiousness" to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "prudence" or "carefulness" can add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively employ the term in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prudence

Focuses on wisdom and sound judgment in practical matters.

carefulness

Emphasizes diligence and attention to detail to avoid mistakes.

circumspection

Highlights thoroughness and consideration of all possible circumstances.

wariness

Suggests vigilance and suspicion about potential dangers.

discretion

Implies good judgment and sensitivity, especially in delicate situations.

vigilance

Focuses on being alert and watchful to prevent harm.

timidity

Indicates a lack of courage or assertiveness due to fear or uncertainty.

restraint

Suggests self-control and moderation to avoid excess or recklessness.

hesitation

Emphasizes a pause or delay before acting, often due to doubt or uncertainty.

conservatism

Highlights a preference for traditional values and resistance to change or innovation.

FAQs

How can I use "cautiousness" in a sentence?

You can use "cautiousness" to describe a general approach or attitude, such as "His "cautiousness" in financial matters saved him from many losses".

What are some words similar to "cautiousness"?

Similar words include "prudence", "carefulness", and "circumspection", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always good to show "cautiousness"?

Not always. While "cautiousness" can prevent mistakes, excessive "cautiousness" can also lead to missed opportunities. It depends on the context.

What's the difference between "cautiousness" and "fear"?

"Cautiousness" involves a reasoned approach to potential risks, while "fear" is a more emotional and often irrational response to danger.