WordGarden.iolowness
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈəʊnəs/
US
- /lˈoʊnəs/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being near the ground, bottom, or a lower level
the state of being below the usual amount, degree, value, or rank
a deep or low-pitched quality in a sound or voice
More meaningsFewer meanings
sadness, discouragement, or low spirits
Beyond the definition
"Lowness" usually means the state of being low in some way. It can talk about physical position, like the lowness of clouds over the hills or the lowness of the tide at the shore. It can also describe a small amount or weak level, such as the lowness of prices, energy, or sound. In some contexts, it points to poor quality or a sad, low feeling. The word often makes sense by contrast: something is lower than what is usual, expected, or wanted.
"Lowness" is the state or quality of being low. Most often, it refers to a low position, level, amount, or degree. You might speak of the lowness of the sun near the horizon, the lowness of water in a dry season, or the lowness of a ceiling in a small room. In these cases, the word simply points to something being below a usual or higher point.
The word also works for things that are low in amount or strength. People may talk about the lowness of wages, the lowness of a score, or the lowness of a sound. Here, the idea is not about physical height but about how little there is, or how weak or quiet something seems.
In a more figurative way, "lowness" can suggest poor quality, low rank, or a low mood. Someone might refer to the lowness of cheap material, the lowness of a person's social position in older writing, or the lowness of spirits after bad news. These uses are less about place and more about where something falls on a scale of value, status, or feeling.
Older writing may also use "lowness" for humility or a humble condition, but that sense is less common in everyday English now. Overall, the word is useful when you want to describe something as lower than normal, lower than before, or lower than desired, whether you are talking about height, amount, quality, status, or mood.
Examples
- 1
Low doorway
The lowness of the doorway made everyone duck as they entered.
- 2
Voice pitch
I was surprised by the lowness of her voice on the phone.
- 3
Price offer
The lowness of the offer made the seller reject it immediately.
- 4
Emotional state
After the accident, he struggled with periods of lowness and anxiety.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lownessnoun