What does leakiness mean?
Leakiness is a noun meaning the quality or tendency to leak. In its literal sense, it describes a container, pipe, roof, or other structure that allows liquid or gas to escape, often because of a defect or deterioration. The word can also be used figuratively for a person, organization, or situation that gives away confidential information, often by accident. In this second sense, leakiness carries a negative implication of carelessness or poor discretion rather than deliberate disclosure. It is more specific than the general condition of being porous and less focused than leakage, which usually refers to the escaping substance or the act of escaping. Leakiness is most useful when describing a recurring tendency or quality: a roof may have leakiness, or a spokesperson may display leakiness in revealing too much. The term is understood in British and American English and is usually treated as an uncountable noun, although a plural can occasionally be used when separate instances are being counted.
nounThe quality or condition of leaking, especially the tendency of a container, structure, or system to allow liquid, gas, or information to escape. It is also used figuratively to describe a tendency to reveal confidential information unintentionally.
- The quality or condition of leaking, especially the tendency of a container or structure to allow liquid or gas to escape.
- A tendency to disclose confidential or private information, especially unintentionally.
"The persistent leakiness of the old roof had caused water stains to spread across the ceiling."
"The engineer checked the valves for signs of leakiness before the system was put into service."
"His leakiness made it difficult to keep the merger discussions private."
Usually uncountable; the plural is rare and is used when distinct instances of leakiness are counted.
"The inspection recorded leakinesses in several sections of the building."
Leakiness can describe everything from a dripping pipe to a politician who cannot keep a secret.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leakiness come from?
Leakiness is an English noun formed by combining leak with the productive suffix -iness, which creates nouns denoting a quality, condition, or state. Leak itself has older Middle English attestations and belongs to a Germanic word family with cognates in other Germanic languages. The derived form leakiness reflects the later English tendency to name qualities with -iness rather than using only the older noun leakage.
How leakiness is actually used
Usually uncountable when describing a general quality or tendency. Figurative use is common in journalism, politics, and business to suggest unintentional disclosure of confidential information. The plural is uncommon and normally used only when distinct instances are being counted.
Easily confused with leakiness
Leakage usually refers to the leaking process or the amount that escapes, whereas leakiness emphasizes the condition or tendency to leak.