Fencelessness

/ˈfɛnsləsnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being without a fence; the condition of lacking boundaries or enclosures.

Etymology

Compound of 'fenceless' and '-ness' (a suffix that creates nouns from adjectives). A double suffix formation (-less + -ness) that's productive in English.

Kelly Says

Adding '-ness' to adjectives to create abstract nouns is one of English's most generative patterns—you can theoretically add '-ness' to almost any adjective and create a new noun, which is why English can express nuances other languages struggle with.

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