soundness
/ˈsaʊndnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsaʊndnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsau̇nnə̇s also -ndnə̇s/ (ame, mw)
soundness — noun
1. the quality of being strong, not damaged, and working the way it should — for ex
the quality of being strong, not damaged, and working the way it should — for example, a building that can safely support its own weight, a bridge that can carry traffic, or a body that is healthy and free from injury.
The bridge inspector checked the soundness of the steel supports after the earthquake.
the soundness of [something] — physical object
Dr. Okonkwo was pleased with the soundness of the patient's lungs after six weeks of treatment.
soundness of [body part] — health context
The old wooden floor was replaced because the engineers doubted its soundness.
Regular swimming helps maintain the soundness of bones and joints as people grow older.
A professional home inspection confirmed the soundness of the roof before the sale.
- sturdiness
focuses on physical strength and resistance to breaking
- solidity
suggests a structure is firmly built and unlikely to collapse
- integrity
more formal; used especially for structures or materials that are whole and unbroken
文法句型
the soundness of [something]
用法筆記
Frequently used with nouns describing structures (bridge, building, roof) or body parts (heart, lungs, bones). The opposite concept is 'unsoundness', though 'weakness' or 'damage' is more common in everyday language.
常見錯誤
2. the quality of being based on sensible thinking and reliable reasoning — for exa
the quality of being based on sensible thinking and reliable reasoning — for example, an investment that is unlikely to lose money, a plan that has been carefully thought through, or a legal argument that is well supported by evidence.
The committee questioned the soundness of investing such a large amount in one single company.
question the soundness of [action]
The finance director proved the soundness of her plan by showing three years of steady profit.
prove the soundness of [plan/argument]
Investors had trusted the soundness of the bank's lending practices before the crisis.
Judge Patricia praised the soundness of the lawyer's argument during the final hearing.
The soundness of the government's economic policy was debated by experts across the country.
- foolishness
lack of good sense or judgement
- recklessness
acting without care for the consequences
文法句型
the soundness of [decision/plan/argument]
用法筆記
Common with nouns describing decisions, plans, arguments, policies, or financial strategies. Frequently appears in formal contexts such as business, law, and public policy.