ostentatiousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ostentatiousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe something that is extremely showy and boastful, usually as an attempt to gain attention or admiration. For example, "The billionaire's ostentatiousness display of wealth put off many of the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Martin says there was a burgeoning of personal collecting during the last slump in the 1980s – "a period of 'bling', avarice and showy material ostentatiousness".

Independent

The name Trump denotes ostentatiousness: overselling the product is almost part of the appeal.

The New Yorker

Page 17 Metropolitan YEARNING TO BE TASTEFUL BUT FLAUNTING THE LUXE LIFE The recession has not stopped luxury shopping and ostentatiousness from thriving, and few experiences in New York could have lent this theory greater credence than the Luxury Review trade show.

The New York Times

NATE CHINEN MICHAEL BOLTON "One World One Love" (Universal Motown) A couple of decades ago, Michael Bolton demonstrated his ostentatiousness by oversinging.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps this ostentatiousness obscures the real question of how deep his influence has been.

The Guardian - Film

My parents are generous, loving and lacking in ostentatiousness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since vacating the Elyseé, Chirac has enjoyed an unexpected resurgence in popularity – due at least partly to the contrast between his conservative image and his successor's ostentatiousness.

The Guardian

His self-serious moralizing and the ostentatiousness of his characters' rectitude make Richardson difficult to embrace.

The New Yorker

The team's play grew confident to the point of ostentatiousness.

The New York Times - Sports

And the ostentatiousness that characterized many of the top executives was demoralizing for others, according to several current and former employees.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostentatiousness" when you want to critique a behavior or a display that is excessively showy and intended to impress others. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the display is in poor taste or inappropriate.

Common error

While related, "ostentatiousness" is the quality of being ostentatious, whereas "ostentation" is the actual display. Use "ostentation" to describe the act itself, and "ostentatiousness" to describe the characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The word "ostentatiousness" functions as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being ostentatious. It describes the characteristic of being showy, pretentious, and designed to impress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and correct term in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ostentatiousness" is a noun referring to the quality of being excessively showy and pretentious. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. The term is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and carries a negative connotation, used to critique displays of wealth or behavior. While grammatically sound, it's important to differentiate it from "ostentation", which refers to the act of displaying wealth. Alternatives like "showiness" and "pretentiousness" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Avoid confusing "ostentatiousness" (the quality) with "ostentation" (the act itself).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretentiousness

Emphasizes the attempt to appear more important or knowledgeable than one is.

showiness

Focuses on the visual aspect of display; less emphasis on the intent to impress.

flaunting

Emphasizes the act of showing off possessions or qualities.

flashiness

Implies a more gaudy or vulgar display than "ostentatiousness".

pompousness

Highlights the arrogance and self-importance associated with the display.

vainglory

Highlights the excessive pride and boastfulness associated with the display.

grandstanding

Implies a showy performance intended to impress onlookers.

exhibitionism

Suggests a deliberate and often inappropriate display for attention.

conspicuous consumption

Specifically refers to the purchasing of expensive items to display wealth.

theatricality

Suggests a dramatic or exaggerated display, often artificial.

FAQs

How do you use "ostentatiousness" in a sentence?

You can use "ostentatiousness" to describe a person's behavior, a display of wealth, or any situation characterized by excessive showiness. For example, "The billionaire's party was marked by its sheer "ostentatiousness"".

What's the difference between "ostentatiousness" and "ostentation"?

"Ostentatiousness" is the quality of being ostentatious, while "ostentation" is the actual display of wealth or extravagance. One is a characteristic, the other is the act.

What are some words similar to "ostentatiousness"?

Similar words include "showiness", "pretentiousness", "pompousness", and "flashiness", all describing various forms of excessive display.

Is "ostentatiousness" a positive or negative trait?

"Ostentatiousness" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the display is excessive, tasteless, or done purely for the sake of impressing others.