bluntness

/blʌntnəs/

directness in speech or manner

Her bluntness often made people uncomfortable, but she never apologized for it.

She speaks frankly without softening her words, which some find harsh.

informal

The quality of being direct and honest in speech or manner, often to the point of being harsh or insensitive.

The manager's bluntness during the performance review shocked the employee.

The manager spoke frankly about the employee's weaknesses without sugarcoating.

I admire his bluntness—he always tells the truth, even if it's uncomfortable.

He communicates directly without avoiding difficult truths.

Bluntness is often seen as a lack of tact, but it can also be valued for its honesty.

Collocations

bluntness of speechdirectness in how someone speaksbluntness in mannerdirectness in behavior or attitude

to speak honestly and directly, possibly harshly

Bluntness is appropriate in professional settings where honesty is critical, but it should be balanced with empathy in personal relationships.

While honesty is important, consider the feelings of others when delivering blunt statements.

From 'blunt' (Middle English 'blunte', meaning dull or not sharp) + '-ness' (suffix forming abstract nouns).

Bluntness is often associated with a lack of tact, but it can also be seen as a virtue in situations where honesty is valued over politeness.

blunt

direct and honest, sometimes harsh

root

-ness

quality or state of

suffix

English Dictionary