dirtiness

/ˈdɜː.ti.nəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɝː.t̬i.nəs/ (ame, ipa) · /|t|ēnə̇s |t|, |in-/ (ame, mw)

dirtiness — noun

1. the quality of having dust, mud, or other unwanted matter on a surface, or of be

1.名詞B2
釋義

the quality of having dust, mud, or other unwanted matter on a surface, or of being unhygienic.

例句

Yuki wiped the kitchen counter twice because the dirtiness of the marble still bothered her.

the dirtiness of [noun] pattern

Visitors complained about the dirtiness of the train station's public toilets after the festival.

collocation: dirtiness of [public space]

同義詞
  • filthiness

    stronger; suggests repulsive levels of dirt

  • griminess

    implies oily or sticky surface dirt

  • uncleanliness

    more formal; often used in health or hygiene contexts

反義詞

文法句型

the dirtiness of [noun]

用法筆記

Almost always uncountable and used with 'the', often followed by 'of' plus a place or object.

常見錯誤

❌I cleaned a dirtiness on my shirt.
✅I cleaned a dirty spot on my shirt.
💡'dirtiness' names the abstract state, not a single mark; use 'spot' or 'stain' for a physical patch.

2. the quality of speech, writing, or jokes that includes rude sexual references or

2.名詞C1
釋義

the quality of speech, writing, or jokes that includes rude sexual references or offensive words.

例句

Saira's parents switched off the radio because of the dirtiness of the comedian's late-night jokes.

the dirtiness of [type of speech]

Critics praised the play's honesty but warned audiences about the dirtiness of some of the dialogue.

collocation: dirtiness of the dialogue / lyrics

同義詞
  • obscenity

    stronger; often used in legal or formal contexts

  • vulgarity

    broader; covers rude taste, not just sexual content

  • smuttiness

    informal; suggests playful but improper sexual content

反義詞
  • decency

    polite, socially acceptable speech or content

文法句型

the dirtiness of [speech/lyrics/jokes]

用法筆記

Distinct from sense 1 — refers only to obscene content in language or media, never to physical dirt. Subject is almost always a piece of speech, writing, or performance.

常見錯誤

❌There was dirtiness in his joke about the boss.
✅His joke about the boss was very dirty.
💡for a single instance, prefer the adjective 'dirty'; 'dirtiness' suits the overall quality of a longer text or performance.