Devoutlessness

/dɪˈvaʊtləsnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of lacking devoutness; absence of religious sincerity or dedication.

Etymology

From 'devoutless' (adjective) plus '-ness' suffix. Stacks three morphemes: devout + -less + -ness, creating an abstract noun describing the absence of a quality.

Kelly Says

Words like 'devoutlessness' show how English can theoretically create nearly infinite words by stacking suffixes—but they rarely survive because they sound clunky and we prefer simpler alternatives like 'irreverence' or 'insincerity'.

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