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Definition of dumbness

dumbness

/ˈdʌm.nəs/
dumb · ness
Adverb:dumbly
•
Adjective:dumb
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dumbness Lexical Profile

dumbness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of lacking intelligence, good judgment, or common sense; foolishness (informal).

Example

"He shook his head in disbelief at the sheer dumbness of the mistake."

2

The state or condition of being unable or unwilling to speak; muteness or speechlessness.

Example

"A sudden dumbness overcame the witness when asked to identify the suspect in court."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In modern usage, 'dumbness' almost always refers informally to a lack of intelligence or foolishness, whereas clinical or respectful contexts prefer 'muteness' or 'speechlessness' for the inability to speak.

• Rhymes for dumbness

• Nearby Words

dumbfoundingly
dumbhead
dumbly
dumbness
dumbo
dumbphone
dumbshit

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'dumbnes', formed from the adjective 'dumb' (originally meaning 'silent' or 'unable to speak', from Proto-Germanic *dumbaz) and the noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dumbness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dumbness
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