greatness

noun

great·​ness ˈgrāt-nəs 

: the quality or state of being great (as in size, skill, achievement, or power)

Today, many Inca buildings still stand—all witnesses to an empire of unforgettable greatness.

—Michelle Laliberte

An understanding of the visible world became a better way of understanding the greatness of God.

—Mario Salvadori

I came back convinced that bourbon and its cousins are America's contribution to world distillery, with as strong a claim to greatness as anything from Scotland, Ireland, or Canada.

—Corby Kummer

… young team that came within a game of reaching the World Series, a team on the verge of greatness.

—Barry Rozner

Tyson, 33, has long since abandoned any claim to boxing greatness, having squandered his promise in two jail sentences, a suspension and several gory defeats.

—Richard Hoffer

Synonyms of greatness

• excellence
• excellency

Examples of greatness in a Sentence

a poet whose work is of enduring greatness

the overwhelming greatness of the canyon is what visitors first notice

Recent Examples on the Web

No, this isn’t the same guard from before the meniscus injury that flashed two-way greatness on a nightly basis during the Brondello era. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

The book suggests Brady's commitment to the game ultimately led to a loss in love, raising questions about the sacrifices made for greatness. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

And for all his surprise greatness this summer, Justin Wrobleski also has yet to start a postseason game. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Insalata di Pomodori is simple but brought to greatness by super-sweet heirloom tomatoes, served with pecorino sardo and kalamata olives. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing greatness

• the stuff of greatness

Rhymes for greatness

• lateness
• straightness