noun

deafness

deafness, hearing loss

His deafness was caused by an infection.

His deafness was caused by an infection.

deafness (uncountable noun) the condition of being unable to hear His deafness was caused by an infection.

Synonyms: hearing loss, hearing impairment

From the adjective 'deaf' + the suffix '-ness', which forms nouns indicating a state or condition.

The suffix '-ness' means 'state of being', so 'deafness' is simply the state of being deaf. Think of 'happiness' or 'sadness'.

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