Conscientiousness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The attribute of being meticulous and diligent in tasks encompasses a strong sense of responsibility and ethical commitment to accomplish duties effectively
2. A character trait defined by carefulness and dedication includes an emphasis on responsibilities, thoroughness, and moral integrity in fulfilling obligations
3. The quality characterized by a diligent, responsible approach to tasks highlights an individual's thoroughness and ethical commitment in fulfilling obligations

Etymology: The word is built from "conscientious" plus the suffix "-ness", which turns an adjective into a noun naming a quality. Its meaning follows from the older adjective: "conscientious" describes someone guided by conscience, and the noun names the trait of being that kind of person. Because the suffix is ordinary and productive, the history of the noun lies mostly in the adjective it rests on. The suffix "-ness" has a long pedigree. It descends from an old Germanic formation, where a similar element was attached to adjectives to form abstract nouns, and it reached Old English as "-nes", a shape that eventually settled into the modern ending. English has used it freely for more than a thousand years, which is why nearly any adjective can take it without special coinage.

Synonyms: diligence, meticulousness, thoroughness, responsibility

Antonyms: carelessness, negligence