unhurriedness

unhurriedness — noun

1. the quality of moving or doing things in a slow, relaxed way, without feeling an

1.nounC1
Definition

the quality of moving or doing things in a slow, relaxed way, without feeling any pressure to rush

Example

Marco admired the unhurriedness of the old craftsman as he shaped the wood by hand.

unhurriedness of + [person/activity]

There was a natural unhurriedness in how Jiwoo cared for the garden each morning.

There was a/an + adj + unhurriedness

Common collocations
  • air of unhurriedness
  • gentle unhurriedness
  • natural unhurriedness
  • characteristic unhurriedness
Synonyms
  • leisureliness

    very close in meaning, also about acting without rush; slightly less formal

  • calmness

    refers more to a peaceful emotional state than to pace of action

  • tranquillity

    emphasises a quiet, peaceful atmosphere rather than unhurried behaviour

Antonyms
  • hurry

    the direct opposite; refers to rushed or hurried action

  • haste

    implies urgency or speed that may cause mistakes

Usage Note

Frequently used in the patterns 'the unhurriedness of + noun phrase' or 'a/an + adjective + unhurriedness'. This noun is uncountable and rarely appears in the plural.

Common Mistakes

The unhurriednesses of village life were calming.
The unhurriedness of village life was calming.
unhurriedness is uncountable and takes a singular verb.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Unhurriedness, leisureliness, calmness, tranquillity, and slowness all describe a lack of hurry, but they differ in emphasis and scope. Unhurriedness focuses on the deliberate, unrushed quality of an action or pace — it carries a positive sense of control and ease. Leisureliness (e.g. 'the leisureliness of a Sunday brunch') similarly describes an unhurried pace but often suggests enjoyment and free time. Calmness is broader, referring mainly to an emotional state free from agitation, not necessarily about pace. Tranquillity adds an element of deep peace and quiet, often in reference to a place or atmosphere. Slowness is the most neutral and can be negative (drudgery) or positive (deliberate), whereas unhurriedness is almost always approving. For example, you might admire the unhurriedness of a tea ceremony but describe a slow checkout line as slowness, not unhurriedness.

leisureliness ↗calmness ↗tranquillity ↗slowness ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • with unhurriedness
  • a sense of unhurriedness

Prepositions

Etymology

English

Formed from the adjective 'unhurried' (the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' + 'hurried') plus the noun suffix '-ness', which turns adjectives into abstract nouns describing a state or quality. 'Hurry' itself entered English in the late 1500s, probably from the sound and feeling of rushing, though its exact origin is uncertain.