Looseness: meaning, definitions and examples

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looseness

[ˈluːsnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in behavior

The quality of lacking strictness or firmness; the state of being relaxed or not tightly controlled. It can refer to physical looseness or mental looseness.

Synonyms

flexibility, lack of strictness, relaxation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
looseness	This term is often used to describe the quality of being less tight or rigid. It can refer to physical objects, structures, or even rules and regulations. It sometimes has a slightly negative connotation if applied to describe lack of control or discipline. The looseness of his shoelaces caused him to trip. The looseness in the company's policies led to several breaches of protocol.
relaxation	This term is often used when referring to a state of being free from tension or anxiety. It can describe both mental states and physical states of ease. It is generally viewed positively and often associated with rest and leisure. After a long day at work, she looked forward to some relaxation at home. Yoga promotes both physical and mental relaxation.
lack of strictness	This phrase is used to describe situations where rules, guidelines, or standards are not stringent. It typically implies a more casual or lenient approach and can sometimes be viewed negatively if it leads to disorder or lack of discipline. The lack of strictness in the classroom made it difficult for the students to stay focused. The project's failure was attributed to the lack of strictness in its execution.
flexibility	This word is used to describe the ability to adapt to new conditions or to be easily modified. It's generally viewed positively and emphasizes adaptability and responsiveness, applicable to both physical objects and abstract concepts. Her flexibility with her schedule made it easy to plan the meeting. The new material offers greater flexibility and durability.

Examples of usage

The looseness of his parenting style allowed his children to have more freedom.
She was criticized for the looseness of her management style.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in physical state

The state of not being tightly held or fastened; the condition of being loose or not securely attached.

Synonyms

laxity, slackness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
looseness	Use 'looseness' to describe something that is not tight or secure, focusing on physical or abstract looseness. The looseness of the screws caused the chair to wobble There was a certain looseness in the rules that allowed for some flexibility
slackness	Slackness generally refers to a lack of tension or firmness, and can describe both physical states and behavioral attitudes of laziness or carelessness. It often has a negative connotation. The slackness of the rope made it unsafe for climbing Her slackness at work was starting to annoy her colleagues
laxity	Laxity is best used to describe a lack of strictness or care, often in contexts involving rules, discipline, or attention. It usually has a negative connotation. The laxity in enforcing the safety regulations led to the accident His laxity in meeting deadlines eventually cost him his job

Word

Description / Examples

looseness

Use 'looseness' to describe something that is not tight or secure, focusing on physical or abstract looseness.

The looseness of the screws caused the chair to wobble
There was a certain looseness in the rules that allowed for some flexibility

slackness

Slackness generally refers to a lack of tension or firmness, and can describe both physical states and behavioral attitudes of laziness or carelessness. It often has a negative connotation.

The slackness of the rope made it unsafe for climbing
Her slackness at work was starting to annoy her colleagues

laxity

Laxity is best used to describe a lack of strictness or care, often in contexts involving rules, discipline, or attention. It usually has a negative connotation.

The laxity in enforcing the safety regulations led to the accident
His laxity in meeting deadlines eventually cost him his job

Examples of usage

The looseness of the screws caused the shelf to fall off the wall.
She complained about the looseness of the dress after losing weight.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'looseness' comes from the Old English word 'leos,' meaning 'free' or 'unbound.'
It combines the root 'loosen,' which expresses lessening tightness, with the suffix '-ness' that denotes a state or quality.

Psychology

In psychology, 'looseness' can refer to a state of mind where thoughts are not tightly connected, leading to divergent thinking.
This looser form of thinking is often seen as a sign of creativity, as it allows for more flexible ideas and solutions.

Fashion

In clothing trends, 'looseness' has evolved from fitted styles to the popularity of oversized garments, promoting comfort and self-expression.
Loose-fitting clothes are often associated with casual, relaxed lifestyles, becoming a staple in streetwear fashion.

Construction

In construction and engineering, loose foundations can lead to structural issues, emphasizing the importance of tightness in safety standards.
Loose materials, like gravel, are fundamental in construction for drainage, demonstrating how looseness can be beneficial in certain contexts.

Sports

In sports, particularly in activities like yoga or gymnastics, 'looseness' refers to flexibility and the ability to move freely, which can enhance performance.
American football players often perform 'looseness drills' to maintain flexibility and prevent injuries during intense gameplay.

Translations

Translations of the word "looseness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 frouxidão

🇮🇳 ढीलापन

🇩🇪 Lockerheit

🇮🇩 kelonggaran

🇺🇦 розслабленість

🇵🇱 luźność

🇯🇵 緩さ (ゆるさ)

🇫🇷 lâcheté

🇪🇸 flojedad

🇹🇷 gevşeklik

🇰🇷 느슨함

🇸🇦 رخاوة

🇨🇿 uvolnění

🇸🇰 uvoľnenosť

🇨🇳 松弛 (sōngchí)

🇸🇮 ohlapnost

🇮🇸 slakleiki

🇰🇿 босаңдық

🇬🇪 დარბილება

🇦🇿 boşalma

🇲🇽 flojedad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,719, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23716 inheriting
23717 jellies
23718 rightness
23719 looseness
23720 yttrium
23721 covetousness
23722 fetid
...