greatness

noun

great·​ness ˈgrāt-nəs 

: the quality or state of being great (as in size, skill, achievement, or power)

Today, many Inca buildings still stand—all witnesses to an empire of unforgettable greatness.

—Michelle Laliberte

An understanding of the visible world became a better way of understanding the greatness of God.

—Mario Salvadori

I came back convinced that bourbon and its cousins are America's contribution to world distillery, with as strong a claim to greatness as anything from Scotland, Ireland, or Canada.

—Corby Kummer

… young team that came within a game of reaching the World Series, a team on the verge of greatness.

—Barry Rozner

Tyson, 33, has long since abandoned any claim to boxing greatness, having squandered his promise in two jail sentences, a suspension and several gory defeats.

—Richard Hoffer

Synonyms

• choiceness
• distinction
• excellence
• excellency
• first-rateness
• perfection
• preeminence
• primeness
• superbness
• superiority
• supremacy

Examples of greatness in a Sentence

a poet whose work is of enduring greatness

the overwhelming greatness of the canyon is what visitors first notice

Recent Examples on the Web

The greatness of cornerback Pat Surtain II and the emergence of fellow corner Riley Moss has given Denver the ability to play more man coverage while aggressively attacking the quarterback with ever-changing fronts and creative blitzes. —Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Leaders who put relationships before tasks and build bridges for connection become multipliers for success—a powerful path for getting to the next level of greatness. —Samantha Tassone, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals lament the greatness of the Denver Broncos. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2025

Including an important part of his path to NFL greatness — his sobriety. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing greatness

• the stuff of greatness