Definition

The quality of being harmful in a way that is not easily noticed; it refers to something that gradually and secretly causes harm or danger.

Example

The insidiousness of the disease made it difficult to detect until it was too late.

Conversation

Have you noticed the insidiousness of social media lately?

Yeah, it's crazy how it can affect people's mental health without them realizing it.

Exactly! The way it promotes unrealistic expectations is really concerning.

For sure, we need to be more mindful about how we use it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Insidiousness → It is formed from "insidiosus" (from Latin, meaning treacherous or deceitful) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "insidiousness" refers to the quality of being treacherous or deceitful, often in a gradual or subtle way.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'insidious' which means treacherous, and remember that 'insidiousness' refers to the quality of being treacherous or deceitful.

Visually Confused Words