Search Dictionary
Definition of offensiveness

offensiveness

/əˈfɛn.sɪv.nəs/
of · fen · sive · ness
Adverb:offensively
•
Adjective:offensive
JUMP TO:

offensiveness Lexical Profile

offensiveness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of causing someone to feel hurt, angry, or insulted through rude, disrespectful, or derogatory behavior or remarks.

Example

"The speaker apologized for the unintended offensiveness of his earlier remarks."

2

The quality of being extremely unpleasant, repulsive, or disgusting to the senses.

Example

"Residents complained to the city council about the sheer offensiveness of the odor coming from the nearby landfill."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for offensiveness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for offensiveness

• Rhymes for offensiveness

• Nearby Words

offense
offensive
offensively
offensiveness
offer
offerer
offering

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'offensive' and the suffix '-ness'. The root 'offensive' derives from Middle French 'offensif', ultimately from Latin 'offendere' ('to strike against' or 'to displease').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Offensiveness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/offensiveness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.