submissiveness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "submissiveness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being submissive or yielding to the authority or control of others. Example: "Her submissiveness in the relationship often led to her feelings of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If she's submissive, it's a radical submissiveness," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Masculinity is defined as sexual dominance, femininity as sexual submissiveness: genders are "created through the eroticization of dominance and submission.

SEP

Your queer submissiveness allowed Assad to kill fathers like Fadi Haddad in order to ignite a civil war".

The Guardian

They charge Mr Siniora with corruption, incompetence and submissiveness to Western powers, and say that last month's resignation of Shia ministers rendered the government illegal, since the constitution says that cabinets should fairly represent every sect.

The Economist

Filial piety, however, does not demand unconditional submissiveness to parental authority but recognition of and reverence for the source of life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whereas Palestinian rabbis had complied with imperial decrees of taxation as legitimate de facto and this was all that Samuel had in mind Babylonian teachers now rationalized governmental authority in this respect as legitimate de jure, thus enjoining upon the Jews political quietism and submissiveness as part of their religious doctrine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So, when did the dark playground of tying-up, masking, flogging and submissiveness emerge from the niche of pornography to invade the cinema mainstream?

Independent

As opposed to Tylor's "animism," he postulated an impersonal religion, or "animatism," based on "awe," a feeling of "submissiveness tempered with admiration, hopefulness, and even love".

Encyclopedia Britannica

When she and Howard talk about sex and submissiveness, they both agree that artichoke would mean No.

The New Yorker

He's indignant over the submissiveness of history's victims, so he gives them a second shot, as it were, to eliminate their masters.

The New Yorker

Along with his revulsion at the hateful rhetoric and murderous tyranny of Southern whites, Micheaux adds a special satirical disgust for a black preacher who offers his parishioners Heaven as a reward for their uneducated submissiveness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "submissiveness" when describing a consistent pattern of behavior rather than isolated instances of yielding.

Common error

Avoid using "submissiveness" interchangeably with "respect". While submissiveness can sometimes stem from respect, it often implies a power imbalance and a lack of independent agency, which is distinct from genuine respect.

Linguistic Context

Submissiveness primarily functions as a noun, denoting the state or quality of being submissive. It describes an inherent characteristic or behavioral pattern of yielding to authority or control. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts from political quietism to interpersonal dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Submissiveness, as analyzed by Ludwig, is a noun denoting the state of being submissive, frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific texts. While grammatically correct, it carries connotations of yielding to authority, which can be both positive (deference) and negative (lack of agency). Ludwig's examples highlight its diverse applications, from political analysis to interpersonal dynamics. When writing, consider the context and potential implications of using "submissiveness", and explore alternatives like "compliance" or "deference" to convey your intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submission

Focuses on the act of yielding or presenting oneself to another's authority.

acquiescence

Implies a passive acceptance or tacit agreement without protest.

deference

Highlights respect and courteous regard for another's opinions or wishes.

obedience

Emphasizes adherence to rules, commands, or instructions.

compliance

Stresses conformity to requirements or regulations.

docility

Suggests a willingness to be easily taught or managed.

passivity

Indicates a lack of active response or resistance.

servility

Implies excessive willingness to serve or please others.

meekness

Suggests a quiet, gentle, and humble nature.

subjugation

Highlights the act of bringing someone or something under control.

FAQs

How is "submissiveness" typically used in a sentence?

"Submissiveness" is used to describe a state or quality of yielding to authority or control. For example, "Her submissiveness in the relationship was a cause for concern."

What are some alternatives to "submissiveness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "submission", "acquiescence", or "compliance".

What is the difference between "submissiveness" and "obedience"?

"Obedience" implies following direct commands or rules, while "submissiveness" suggests a more general yielding to authority, often without explicit instructions.

Is "submissiveness" always a negative trait?

Not necessarily. While "submissiveness" can have negative connotations of weakness, it can also describe respectful deference in certain cultural or social contexts. The interpretation depends heavily on the specific situation.