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Definition of testiness

testiness

/ˈtɛs.ti.nəs/
tes · ti · ness
Adverb:testily
•
Adjective:testy
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testiness Lexical Profile

testiness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being easily irritated, impatient, or short-tempered.

Example

"The director's growing testiness during the final week of rehearsals made the cast nervous."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for testiness
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for testiness

• Nearby Words

testily
testimonial
testimony
testiness
testing
testis
testosterone

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective "testy" plus the suffix "-ness." "Testy" comes from Anglo-Norman "testif" (headstrong), derived from Old French "teste" (head), ultimately from Latin "testa" (earthenware pot or skull).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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