Abruptness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a sudden or unexpected change in manner or speech, which can be startling or surprising.

• His abruptness in ending the meeting caught everyone off guard.
• She was taken aback by the abruptness of his refusal.

Used when someone is intentionally disrespectful or inconsiderate in their speech or actions. This always has a negative connotation.

• His rudeness towards the waiter was unacceptable.
• The comment was met with rudeness and hostility.

Refers to speaking in a straightforward and honest manner, sometimes without considering the feelings of others. This can sometimes have a negative connotation depending on the situation.

• Her bluntness in pointing out his mistakes made him feel embarrassed.
• He appreciated her bluntness as it left no room for misunderstandings.

Describes speech that is brief and to the point, often to the extent of seeming rude or unfriendly.

• His curtness during the conversation made it clear he was in a hurry.
• She responded with curt answers, indicating her impatience.

Use this when referring to someone or something that is sudden and unexpected. It might give a sense of rudeness or lack of smoothness.

• The abruptness of his departure surprised everyone at the party.
• Her abruptness in handling the situation left others feeling uneasy.

Ideal for situations where precision and brevity are valued. It implies delivering information in a clear, straightforward manner without unnecessary details.

• The conciseness of the report made it easy to understand the key points.
• Her conciseness during the presentation helped to convey the message effectively.

This word is useful when emphasizing that something or someone is brief and to the point, often in a way that might seem unfriendly or rude.

• His terse-ness in emails sometimes comes across as unfriendly.
• She was known for her terse-ness, preferring not to engage in small talk.

This word is suitable when describing someone who is blunt or curt in manner, often bordering on rude or impatient.

• His brusqueness put off many of his colleagues.
• You could sense the irritation in her brusqueness as she answered the questions.