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Definition of watchfulness

watchfulness

/ˈwɑːtʃ.fəl.nəs/
watch · ful · ness
Adverb:watchfully
•
Adjective:watchful
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watchfulness Lexical Profile

watchfulness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of being closely observant, alert, and attentive to potential danger, difficulty, or opportunity.

Example

"The lifeguard's constant watchfulness ensured the safety of everyone swimming at the crowded beach."

2

An inability to sleep; persistent wakefulness or insomnia (now chiefly literary or archaic).

Example

"His fever brought on a restless watchfulness that lasted throughout the entire night."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for watchfulness
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for watchfulness

• Nearby Words

watcher
watchful
watchfully
watchfulness
watchlist
watchmaker
watchmaking

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'watchful' (from Old English 'wæcce', meaning a state of remaining awake or keeping guard) combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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