Definition

The state of not taking action or being inactive; a lack of response or initiative.

Example

Her passiveness in the meeting surprised everyone, as she usually has strong opinions.

Conversation

I've been thinking about my passiveness in group projects lately.

Really? I noticed you tend to let others take the lead.

Yeah, I guess I feel more comfortable being quiet.

Maybe you should try speaking up a bit more next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Passiveness → It is formed from "passive" (from Latin "passivus", meaning capable of feeling or suffering) and "-ness" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating a state or condition). The word "passiveness" refers to the state of being passive or the condition of not taking action.

Memory Tip

Think of the state of being 'capable of feeling' ('passive') and how '-ness' indicates a condition. This helps you remember that passiveness means the condition of being inactive or not taking action.

Visually Confused Words