What does thoroughness mean?
Thoroughness means being complete, careful, and attentive to detail. A thorough investigation examines every relevant aspect of a question; a thorough performance leaves little unfinished or poorly considered. The word can describe the comprehensiveness of a task, the care taken in carrying it out, or both. Its usual tone is approving, especially in professional, academic, and formal contexts, although it can also imply that someone is being excessively meticulous. In everyday use, “thoroughness” often contrasts with superficiality: it suggests that the subject has been considered beyond a quick or superficial glance. The term is especially useful for evaluating research, inspections, editing, planning, and other activities in which completeness and precision matter. As a noun, it names not merely the amount of work done, but the quality of attention brought to that work.
nounThoroughness is the quality of being complete, careful, and attentive to detail. It describes both the scope of a piece of work and the care taken in its preparation.
- The quality of being complete and careful, with close attention to detail.
"The thoroughness of her research made the final report exceptionally reliable."
"The inspector praised the thoroughness of the safety audit."
"She approached the delicate negotiation with remarkable thoroughness, considering every possible objection."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon in ordinary usage.
"The two reports differed in thoroughness and in the number of sources they considered."
Thoroughness runs straight through English: its base, thorough, grew from an old word for “through,” suggesting the idea of covering every part of a path.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thoroughness come from?
Thoroughness was formed in English by adding the suffix -ness to the adjective thorough. Thorough itself developed from Middle English forms meaning “through” or “complete,” ultimately tracing to Old English þurh, the ancestor of modern through. Later derivatives such as thoroughgoing and thoroughbred preserve the same lexical base in compound forms.
How thoroughness is actually used
Generally neutral to formal. It is often approving when it describes careful and complete work, but it can suggest excessive attention to detail when used critically.