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insidiousness

insidiousness

1 9.1
The quality of being harmful in a slow, hidden way that is hard to notice
  • noun
  • /ɪnˈsɪd.i.əs.nəs/
translation icon : insidiosidad
  • Assimilation here highlights the insidiousness of colonial power.

Examples

  • The insidiousness of such pricing tactics is that they are just about impossible to change once they are implemented, and a company comes to rely on the revenue.

    Blog text (13)
  • It is part of the insidiousness.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Consider the insidiousness of this approach.

    Blog text (29)
  • The insidiousness of doping is that once you open the door to it, it becomes very, very hard to close.

    Blog text (25)
  • Marty's popularity as a wedding photographer has to do with his policy of insidiousness.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • As such, this article enhances our understanding of how Whiteness' insidiousness is being countered in digital spaces.

    Academic text (2018)
  • 1916, I agree with you completely on the absurdity, insidiousness, and ineffectiveness of TSA security.

    Blog text (23)
  • The insidiousness of the illness makes it difficult to detect until it's too late.

  • She was concerned about the insidiousness of the project's hidden risks, which could harm the community.

  • The insidiousness of misinformation spreads quietly, undermining trust without anyone noticing.

Synonyms

corrosivity
vsinsidiousness
8.1

Quality that slowly damages trust or relationships

is similar but causes harm in a hidden sneaky way
malignant influence
vsinsidiousness
8.2

A harmful effect that slowly damages people or groups

is similar but emphasizes harm that is gradual and often unnoticed
perniciousness
vsinsidiousness
  • Formal
9.9

Great harm that can cause death or serious damage

is less overt and focuses on gradual hidden harm rather than severity

How Harmful

perniciousness
  • Formal
9.9
insidiousness
1 9.1
harmfulness
1 4.8
harmlessness
1 3.3

Surface Forms

insidiousness singular

Morphology

insidiousness = insidious (opaque) = insidious + ness

Standard noun formation from the adjective 'insidious' using the productive suffix '-ness' to indicate a quality.

Etymology

Insidiousness comes from Latin parts in- ('in') and sedere ('to sit'), which made the Latin word insidiae meaning 'ambush' or 'hidden trap'. Think of someone 'sitting in wait'—that image helps: insidiousness is harm that grows slowly and quietly without being noticed.