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Definition of worldliness

worldliness

/ˈwɜːrld.li.nəs/
world · li · ness
Adjective:worldly
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worldliness Lexical Profile

worldliness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of being experienced, sophisticated, and practical regarding human affairs and society.

Example

"Her years of living and working abroad gave her an effortless worldliness that impressed her colleagues."

2

Devotion to or concern with material, temporal, or earthly possessions and pleasures rather than spiritual or religious matters.

Example

"The monastic order required its members to renounce all worldliness and live a life of quiet contemplation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for worldliness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for worldliness

Word Nuance & Usage

'Worldliness' carries two contrasting connotations depending on context: in secular settings, it is a compliment indicating cosmopolitan sophistication and practical experience; in religious contexts, it is a critique describing an excessive attachment to material or temporal things over spiritual values.

• Rhymes for worldliness

• Nearby Words

world
worldbeater
worldbuilding
worldliness
worldly
worldview
worldwide

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'worldlinesse', equivalent to Old English 'woruldlic' ('worldly') combined with the abstract noun suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

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