wantonness

noun

wan·​ton·​ness -tᵊn(n)ə̇s 

-tən(-

plural -es

1

: the quality or state of being wanton

ideas characterized chiefly by their sheer wantonness

the wantonness of jungle growth

negligence amounting to wantonness

2

: an instance or example of wanton action

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wantonnes, from wanton entry 1 + -nes -ness

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