What does lowness mean?
Lowness is a formal noun meaning the state or quality of being low. It most often describes physical height, position, or level, as in the lowness of a ceiling or the lowness of a voice. It can also indicate a low standard in a social, moral, or qualitative sense. The word is formed from “low” and the suffix “-ness,” which turns an adjective into a noun naming a quality or condition. Because “low” already covers most of these ideas, lowness is less common in everyday conversation, although it can lend a precise or elevated tone to writing. It is especially useful when discussing noticeable differences in height, pitch, temperature, quality, or standards.
nounThe state or quality of being low in position, height, level, or sound. It can also refer to a low social or moral standard.
- The state or quality of being low in height, position, level, or sound.
- A low social, moral, or qualitative standard.
"The lowness of the ceiling made the room feel oppressive."
"She complained about the lowness of the furniture in the waiting room."
"His voice was remarkable for its lowness and calm resonance."
The plural is grammatically possible but is rarely needed in ordinary usage.
"The design accommodates several differences in the lownesses of the surrounding terrain."
Add the suffix “-ness” to turn the simple idea of being low into a noun for that quality: just as darkness describes the state of being dark, lowness describes the state of being low.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lowness come from?
Lowness was formed in English by adding the productive suffix “-ness” to “low.” “Low” comes through Middle English from Old English “hlāw,” meaning low or not high, while “-ness” was inherited from Old English and had long been used to form nouns naming qualities or states. Related English forms include “lower” and “lowly,” which share the same Germanic base.
Related word forms
How lowness is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech, where “low” or a more specific expression is often preferred. Its second sense is less frequent and should be understood through the relevant context, as in “the lowness of the standard of service.”