What does steepness mean?
Steepness is the noun corresponding to the adjective steep. In its most common sense, it describes the degree to which a slope rises or falls sharply, as in a discussion of the steepness of a mountain path, a road, or a hillside. The word is also used figuratively for the difficulty, severity, or abruptness of a challenge, such as the steepness of a learning curve or the steepness of economic change. Because it names a measurable or appreciable quality, steepness is useful when comparing slopes or emphasizing how demanding a situation may be. Its figurative uses generally suggest that progression requires effort or involves a notable increase in difficulty.
The quality or degree of being steep, especially the sharpness of a slope.
"The hill's steepness made the climb more difficult than expected."
Often used with terms such as slope, terrain, path, or gradient, and frequently in comparisons involving the degree of steepness.
The difficulty, severity, or abruptness of a situation, task, or change.
"The steepness of the transition surprised even the experienced team."
This is a figurative extension of the physical sense and commonly appears in phrases such as steepness of the challenge or steepness of the learning curve.
The plural is grammatically correct but rarely used, since discussions usually refer to the degree of steepness of one slope or situation.
"The map records the steepnesses of the main trails."
A trail can be steep without being dangerous; it is the combination of steepness and poor footing that turns a hillside into a hazard.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does steepness come from?
Steepness is formed in English by combining steep with the suffix -ness, which creates nouns naming qualities or states. The adjective steep descends from Old English stēap, an Old English word associated with a high or sharply rising place. The related adverb steeply developed from the same adjective.
How steepness is actually used
In physical contexts, steepness is a standard neutral term. In figurative use, it often conveys the difficulty or severity of a challenge rather than a literal incline.
Easily confused with steepness
Steep is the adjective describing something that rises or falls sharply, whereas steepness is the noun naming that quality or degree.