looseness

/ˈluːsnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈluːsnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /-snə̇s/ (ame, mw)

looseness — noun

1. the condition of being able to move slightly because it is not held or fixed tig

1.名詞B2
釋義

the condition of being able to move slightly because it is not held or fixed tightly enough; the opposite of firmness.

例句

Mei-Lin noticed the looseness of the screw and tightened it with a screwdriver.

the looseness of [noun phrase]

The dentist said the looseness of the child's baby tooth was completely normal.

同義詞
  • instability

    focuses on lack of steadiness rather than physical movement

  • play

    technical term for how much a mechanical part can move before meeting resistance

  • slack

    emphasises the amount of free movement, especially in ropes or cables

反義詞
  • firmness

    the condition of being fixed securely without movement

  • tightness

    the condition of being fastened or held firmly

文法句型

the looseness of [noun]

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'of' or 'in' to specify the object that is loose ('the looseness of a screw', 'looseness in the joint').

常見錯誤

❌The looseness of the rope was dangerous
✅The looseness of the rope made it dangerous to climb with.
💡Add a consequence or context to clarify why the looseness matters.

2. the quality of clothing, fastenings, or bands fitting without pressing or pullin

2.名詞B1
釋義

the quality of clothing, fastenings, or bands fitting without pressing or pulling against the body or surface; the opposite of tightness.

例句

Naomi preferred the looseness of joggers over the tight fit of jeans.

prefer the looseness of [garment]

The looseness of the bracelet meant it could slide easily over her hand.

同義詞
  • bagginess

    specifically of clothing that hangs loosely on the body, often too large

  • slackness

    can refer to ropes, wires, or fabric that is not pulled taut

  • roominess

    positive connotation of having plenty of space inside, especially for movement

反義詞
  • tightness

    the quality of fitting closely or pressing against the body

  • snugness

    a comfortable, close fit without pressure

文法句型

the looseness of [clothing/item]

用法筆記

For clothing, often carries a positive connotation of comfort or a negative one of being too large, depending on context. For fastenings (belts, straps, buckles), looseness is usually undesirable.

常見錯誤

❌I like the looseness of this dress's fit.
✅I like the looseness of this dress.
💡The 'fit' is already implied; avoid redundancy.

3. a lack of strictness, exactness, or careful control in thinking, writing, rules,

3.名詞C1
釋義

a lack of strictness, exactness, or careful control in thinking, writing, rules, or behaviour.

例句

The professor criticised the looseness of the student's argument, pointing out several logical gaps.

criticise the looseness of [argument/reasoning]

Some scholars worry about the looseness of the term 'sustainability' — it can mean almost anything.

同義詞
  • imprecision

    focuses specifically on lack of exactness in language or measurement

  • vagueness

    emphasises that something is unclear or indefinite rather than merely not strict

  • laxity

    formal term for a lack of strictness, especially in enforcing rules or standards

反義詞
  • precision

    the quality of being exact and accurate

  • strictness

    the quality of demanding exact obedience or exactness

  • rigour

    the quality of being thorough and careful

文法句型

looseness of [abstract noun: language/thinking/standards]

用法筆記

Usually carries a mildly negative judgement — looseness in reasoning or rules is seen as a flaw. An exception is in stylistics (looseness of style), where it can describe a deliberate informal or free quality.

常見錯誤

❌The looseness of the translation was confusing.
✅The looseness of the translation caused readers to misunderstand the original meaning.
💡Clarify the consequence of the imprecision.