Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The state of being dirty; filthiness; foulness; nastiness.
  • noun Meanness; baseness; sordidness.
  • noun Sloppiness; muddiness; uncomfortableness: as, the dirtiness of the weather.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The state of being dirty; filthiness; foulness; nastiness; baseness; sordidness.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The state or quality of being dirty.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the state of being unsanitary
  • noun obscenity in speech or writing
  • noun the state of containing dirty impurities

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

dirty +‎ -ness

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Examples

  • Unfortunately, the discomfort of dirtiness is chiefly suffered by other people.

    The Road to Wigan Pier 1937

  • According to Chesterton, dirtiness is merely a kind of ‘discomfort’ and therefore ranks as self-mortification.

    The Road to Wigan Pier 1937

  • This dirtiness is certainly one of the greatest drawbacks to human felicity in this beautiful country, degrading the noble edifices dedicated to the worship of God, destroying the beautiful works destined for the benefit of his creatures.

    Life in Mexico, During a Residence of Two Years in That Country Frances Erskine Inglis 1843

  • In other words, I get something of a linkage between sex/risk/"dirtiness" - I know, words are only words, but I wonder if it would be helpful for her to focus on her words/attitudes, not just the facts re: the prevalance of HPV - might help with the blame she seems to be attaching to herself and the condition.

    Redskins Insider Podcast -- The Washington Post 2009

  • I think I speak for everyone when I say “Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo (t surprising)” Ignoring Hing Won’s dirtiness is something I’ve been doing for quite awhile.

    BREAKING: DOH HITS MY FAVORITE CHINESE FOOD | Midtown Lunch - Finding Lunch in the Food Wasteland of NYC's Midtown Manhattan 2008

  • Here, curiously enough, the Socialist and the sentimental democratic Catholic of the type of Chesterton sometimes join hands; both will tell you that dirtiness is healthy and ‘natural’ and cleanliness is a mere fad or at best a luxury. [

    The Road to Wigan Pier 1937

  • And he asked himself with horror: what is this impulse towards dirtiness, which is in the majority of human beings -- this desire to besmirch the purity of themselves and others, -- these swinish souls, who take a delight in rolling in filth, and are happy when not one inch of their skins is left clean! ...

    Jean-Christophe, Volume I Romain Rolland 1905

  • Our analysis shows that the biggest factor affecting a car's "dirtiness" is its fuel efficiency -- or lack thereof.

    America's Dirtiest Vehicles Hannah Elliott 2010

  • Our analysis shows that the biggest factor affecting a car's "dirtiness" is its fuel efficiency -- or lack thereof.

    America's Dirtiest Vehicles Hannah Elliott 2010

  • Mr Hindley deems this assertion a gross libel, showing that the "dirtiness" of Jemmy was inevitable, owing to his officiating in every department as pressman, compositor, devil, &c., and being handy at all points.

    James Catnach, Ballad-monger, Part 2 Steve 2009

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