meanness

1 of 2

noun (1)

mean·​ness ˈmēn-nəs 

plural -es

1

: the quality or state of being mean (as in exhibiting baseness or stinginess)

2

: a mean act

descend to the meannesses of frightening children and old women

—Daniel Defoe

meanness

2 of 2

noun (2)

mean·​ness ˈmēn-nəs 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being or constituting a mean between two extremes

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

mean entry 1 + -ness

Noun (2)

mean entry 7 + -ness

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Rhymes for meanness

• greenness
• keenness
• leanness
• betweenness