Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

deafness

/ˈdɛfnəs/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 2.90 in modern English

Syllables: deaf-ness
IPA: /ˈdɛfnəs/

12

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The condition of being deaf; the lack or loss of the ability to hear.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Lack of knowledge or refusal to admit a particular problem, issue, etc.

Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

"Paul wet his lips with his tongue, read: “ ‘Think you of I the fact that a deaf person cannot hear. Then, what deafness may we not all possess? What senses do we lack that we cannot see and cannot hear another world all around us? What is there around us that we cannot—’ ”"
"their deafness to her cries"

Etymology

From Middle English deefnesse; equivalent to deaf + -ness.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: deefnesse
Suffix: deaf

Regional Pronunciation

British English: /ˈdɛfnəs/

Usage

Inflected Forms

deafnesses (plural)

Phrases

albinism-deafness syndrome cocktail party deafness inattentional deafness keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome peri-lingual deafness post-lingual deafness stress deafness Tietz albinism-deafness syndrome

Frequently Paired Words

deaf deafen ageusia anosmia blindness

Synonyms

hearing loss

Questions

How do you pronounce deafness?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈdɛfnəs/.
What does deafness mean?: The condition of being deaf; the lack or loss of the ability to hear.
Where does deafness come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce deafness

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “deafness”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈdɛfnəs/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “deafness”.
Repeat and practice — Say “deafness” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.