seriousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'seriousness' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the manner in which something is handled or discussed, particularly when an important or weighty matter is being resolved. For example: "The chairman was impressed by the seriousness with which the members discussed the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A charge is generated when comedy and seriousness mix, when funny people admit that not everything is always funny.

The Guardian

He could make wry jokes and become expansive after hours in the bar, but he wrote with dedicated seriousness, weighing and polishing every phrase.

The Guardian

No reporter has ever in his life... said in all seriousness that a forward line moved as if younger than springtime".

The Guardian

There was little understanding of the interlinked economic, social and environmental crises whose shape and seriousness are clearer by the day.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the chemistry between Abdul and Cowell was what made those early seasons so amusing, Simon trying manfully to try and keep the show's semblance of seriousness going while, for example, Abdul growled at him or stepping in before Abdul makes things a little too X-rated for a family show.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The criteria include the seriousness of the suspected criminal activity, the reliability of the information, the age and personal circumstances of the person involved, Australia's interest in securing cooperation from overseas agencies, and the risk of the death penalty being imposed.

The Guardian

Det Sgt Jon Saxby said: "These sentences reflect the seriousness of these offences – organised, professional thieves who stole lorries and lorry loads to sell on.

The Guardian

In his autobiography, MacGregor dismissed the exchange as "largely a matter of semantics" and played down the seriousness of the rift.

The Guardian

There is a striking disconnection in Athens between the blithe lack of concern that the government evinces, and which it has successfully communicated to much of the public, and the objective seriousness of Greece's plight.

The Guardian - Business

He told me – in all seriousness – that, as a volunteer at a school, he just gets so many hugs now.

The Guardian

"We acknowledge the action that has been taken by both the Russian state and football bodies but neither can be said to have been effective in tackling the scale and seriousness of the issues," the report by Fare and the Sova Centre said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying the gravity of a situation, use "seriousness" to emphasize the potential impact and consequences. For example, "The seriousness of the environmental crisis requires immediate action."

Common error

Avoid using "seriousness" interchangeably with "severity". "Seriousness" refers to the state or quality of being serious, while "severity" describes the degree of something undesirable, like pain or damage. Understand when to use "seriousness" and when to use "severity".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seriousness" is as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of being serious. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "seriousness" functions as a subject or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seriousness" functions as a noun that denotes the state or quality of being serious. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, emphasizing its role in conveying importance and gravity. Predominantly found in news and formal business domains, it maintains a neutral register. To effectively wield this word, remember its core meaning and avoid substituting it for terms like "severity". While its frequency attests to its widespread usage, selecting accurate synonyms, such as "gravity" or "importance", ensures accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gravity of the situation

Emphasizes the weight and potential consequences of a particular situation.

importance of the matter

Highlights the significance and relevance of a specific issue or subject.

magnitude of the problem

Focuses on the scale and extent of a particular challenge or difficulty.

critical nature

Underscores the urgent and crucial aspects of a given circumstance.

solemnity of the occasion

Highlights the formal and dignified tone of a specific event or ceremony.

earnestness of intent

Focuses on the sincerity and genuine commitment behind a particular action or decision.

severity of the consequences

Emphasizes the harshness and potential repercussions of a particular outcome.

weightiness of the decision

Highlights the significant impact and responsibility associated with a particular choice.

depth of feeling

Emphasizes the intensity and profoundness of emotion.

level of significance

Highlights how remarkably influential something is.

FAQs

How can I show / express "seriousness" in my writing?

To convey "seriousness", focus on factual accuracy, avoid humor or sarcasm, and use formal language. Employ a tone that reflects the gravity or importance of the subject matter. Consider the context and audience to strike the right balance.

What are some synonyms for "seriousness"?

Alternatives to "seriousness" include "gravity", "earnestness", "sincerity", and "importance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "take something with seriousness"?

While understandable, it's more common and grammatically sound to say "take something seriously". The adverb "seriously" modifies the verb "take", indicating how the action is performed. For example, "take the matter seriously".

What's the difference between "seriousness" and "urgency"?

"Seriousness" refers to the weight or importance of a matter, while "urgency" implies a need for immediate action. A situation can be serious without being urgent, and vice versa. Understanding this difference helps convey the right message.