Definition

The quality of being overly involved in other people's affairs or business, often in a way that is annoying or unwelcome.

Example

Her meddlesomeness often led her to interfere in her friends' personal lives.

Conversation

Have you noticed how much meddlesomeness there is in our neighborhood?

Yeah, it's like everyone wants to stick their nose in each other's business.

I just wish people would mind their own affairs sometimes.

Totally! A little privacy would go a long way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Meddlesomeness → It is formed from "meddle" (from Middle English *meddlen*, meaning to interfere) and "-some" (meaning inclined to or characterized by) combined with "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word describes the quality of being inclined to interfere or intrude in others' affairs.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'inclined to interfere' ('-some') in situations that don't concern them, which helps you remember that 'meddlesomeness' refers to the quality of being overly involved in others' matters.

Visually Confused Words