Obnoxiousness: meaning, definitions and examples

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obnoxiousness

 

[əbˈnɑːkʃəsnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

behavior

The quality of being extremely unpleasant or offensive.

Synonyms

disagreeableness, offensiveness, rudeness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obnoxiousness

This term is best suited for describing behavior that is extremely unpleasant and annoying to others.

  • His constant bragging showed his obnoxiousness to everyone at the party.
  • The obnoxiousness of his loud music late at night caused conflict with the neighbors.
offensiveness

Choose this term to describe behavior or comments that are likely to offend or insult people, often leading to hurt feelings or anger.

  • His jokes, full of offensiveness, were not appreciated by anyone in the room.
  • The offensiveness of the remark led to a heated argument.
disagreeableness

Use this word to describe someone who is generally unpleasant and difficult to get along with, often causing discomfort in social situations.

  • Her disagreeableness made it difficult for her to make friends.
  • Despite her talent, her disagreeableness kept the team from working well together.
rudeness

Use this word to describe behavior that is impolite or lacks respect towards others.

  • Her rudeness towards the waiter was uncalled for.
  • He was reprimanded for his rudeness in the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • He was asked to leave the party due to his obnoxiousness.
  • Her constant obnoxiousness made it difficult to be around her.
Context #2 | Noun

personality trait

The state of being objectionable or offensive in behavior or appearance.

Synonyms

displeasingness, irritability, unpleasantness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obnoxiousness

Used to describe someone or something extremely unpleasant in a way that makes people feel annoyed or offended. Often used for behaviors or attitudes.

  • His obnoxiousness made it hard for anyone to enjoy the party.
  • She couldn't stand his obnoxiousness anymore and decided to leave.
unpleasantness

Describes something that is mildly but not extremely unpleasant. Can refer to situations, experiences, or sensations.

  • He apologized for the unpleasantness caused by the mistake.
  • The unpleasantness of the weather made the picnic less enjoyable.
displeasingness

Used to refer to something that causes displeasure or makes someone unsatisfied. It is less intense than 'obnoxiousness'.

  • The displeasingness of the dish made everyone lose their appetite.
  • The room's decor had a certain displeasingness to it.
irritability

Describes a state of being easily annoyed or angered. Often used to discuss a person's mood or a symptom of stress or illness.

  • His irritability increased whenever he was under stress.
  • Her constant irritability was a sign she needed a break.

Examples of usage

  • His obnoxiousness made it hard for others to tolerate him.
  • She tried to change her obnoxiousness to become more likable.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from Latin 'obnoxius', meaning 'exposed to harm' or 'liable', signalling a negative connotation.
  • It was first used in English in the 15th century, reflecting actions or behaviors that are harmful or unpleasant.
  • The modern term evolved in the 19th century to describe personalities or attitudes that are particularly disagreeable.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that obnoxious behavior often stems from insecurity, where individuals act out to mask their own vulnerabilities.
  • People perceive obnoxiousness differently depending on cultural norms and personal experiences.
  • Obnoxiousness can trigger negative emotional responses in others, leading to conflicts or avoidance behaviors.

Pop Culture

  • Many television shows and movies feature obnoxious characters to provide comic relief, showcasing the extremes of annoying traits.
  • 'The Office' popularized the trope of obnoxious behaviors through characters like Michael Scott, highlighting the awkwardness in social settings.
  • Songs often express feelings toward obnoxious people, using humor and satire to depict their experiences with them.

Social Dynamics

  • Obnoxiousness can be a reflection of egoism, where individuals prioritize their needs over social harmony.
  • Group settings often reveal obnoxious behaviors differently, as people may feel empowered to act out in crowds, leading to peer pressure.
  • Social media has amplified obnoxiousness, allowing individuals to express themselves in extreme ways while facing fewer immediate consequences.

Literature

  • Many classic novels use obnoxious characters to critique societal norms, highlighting flaws in human behavior and interaction.
  • In humorous literature, obnoxiousness serves to advance plots and develop deeper character relationships through conflict.
  • Writers often explore the theme of obnoxiousness to provoke thought about morality, empathy, and human nature.

Translations

Translations of the word "obnoxiousness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irritação

🇮🇳 उत्तेजकता

🇩🇪 Unannehmlichkeit

🇮🇩 kekesalan

🇺🇦 дратівливість

🇵🇱 nieprzyjemność

🇯🇵 不快

🇫🇷 désagrément

🇪🇸 desagradable

🇹🇷 rahatsızlık

🇰🇷 불쾌감

🇸🇦 إزعاج

🇨🇿 nepříjemnost

🇸🇰 nepríjemnosť

🇨🇳 令人讨厌

🇸🇮 neprijetnost

🇮🇸 óþægindi

🇰🇿 қолайсыздық

🇬🇪 არამიმზიდველობა

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 desagradable

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,839, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.