What does hungriness mean?
Hungriness is a noun meaning the state or quality of being hungry, particularly the uncomfortable feeling that arises when one needs food. It can also describe a strong craving for something more abstract, such as knowledge, success, or freedom. The word is precise where hungry is the usual adjective and hunger is the broader term for lack of food or a desire to eat. In ordinary conversation, people are more likely to say that they feel hungry, have a big appetite, or are starving, but hungriness has a clear, slightly formal or literary tone. Figuratively, it can intensify the sense of an intense longing, especially when describing someone’s ambition or emotional needs.
nounThe state or quality of being hungry, especially the uncomfortable feeling of needing food. It can also refer to a strong desire for food or, figuratively, a strong desire for something else.
- The state or quality of being hungry.
- A strong desire for food or, figuratively, for some other need or possession.
"By late afternoon, the children's hungriness became difficult to ignore."
"He tried to ignore his hungriness until the restaurant opened."
"Her hungriness for independence shaped the way she approached the project."
The plural is grammatically possible but rarely used.
"The stories describe different kinds of hungrinesses and longings."
Hungriness names not only an empty stomach but also the restless desire that can make a person think about food constantly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hungriness come from?
Hungriness is formed from hungry by adding the suffix -ness, which turns an adjective into a noun expressing a quality or state. The adjective hungry comes from Old English hungrig, related to Old English hungor, meaning lack of food or appetite. The modern form developed through Middle English and has cognates in several Germanic languages, including German hungrig and Dutch hongerig.
Related word forms
How hungriness is actually used
The noun is grammatically standard but somewhat less common in everyday speech than hunger or hungry. It is somewhat formal or literary, though it is readily understood in British and American English.
Easily confused with hungriness
Hunger is commonly used for the need or condition of lacking food, while hungriness more specifically names the state or feeling of being hungry.