What does hoarseness mean?
Hoarseness is the rough, strained, or unclear quality of a person’s voice. It can result from a cold, irritation, inflammation, vocal-cord strain, or other health conditions, and it may become especially noticeable when speaking or singing. The word is used both for the general quality of a voice and for a medical symptom, as in “a slight hoarseness” or “persistent hoarseness.” Although a brief period of hoarseness is often harmless, ongoing or unexplained hoarseness can require medical attention. The related adjective “hoarse” describes the voice or speaker, while “hoarsen” describes the process of becoming rough or strained.
nounThe quality of being hoarse, especially a rough or strained quality of the voice. It may result from a throat or vocal-cord condition, irritation, or prolonged use of the voice.
- The rough, strained, or unclear quality of a person's voice.
"Her hoarseness gradually disappeared after she rested her voice."
"A cold left him with a hoarse voice and noticeable hoarseness."
"The singer’s hoarseness added an intensity to the final song."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon in ordinary use.
"The physician asked about any recent hoarsenesses or changes in her voice."
A hoarse voice is often the voice’s way of sounding strained, but persistent hoarseness can also be a warning sign that deserves medical attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hoarseness come from?
The word is derived from the adjective “hoarse,” which comes from Old English and ultimately relates to a rough or harsh quality. The suffix “-ness” was added in the usual English way of forming a noun from an adjective, producing “hoarseness.” The family includes “hoarsen,” meaning to become or make hoarse, and “hoarsely,” meaning in a hoarse manner.
Related word forms
How hoarseness is actually used
The noun is commonly used to describe a vocal symptom rather than a sound. In medical contexts, hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks should be professionally evaluated.
Easily confused with hoarseness
“Hoarseness” is the condition or quality of having a rough voice, whereas “hoarse” is the adjective describing a person or voice that is rough or strained.