Serious (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Appealing to the mind; "good music"; "a serious book".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm; "a dangerous operation"; "a grave situation"; "a grave illness"; "grievous bodily harm"; "a serious wound"; "a serious turn of events"; "a severe case of pneumonia"; "a life-threatening disease".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Requiring effort or concentration; complex and not easy to answer or solve; "raised serious objections to the proposal"; "the plan has a serious flaw".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Meaning 4
Completely lacking in playfulness.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 5
Concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities; "a serious student of history"; "a serious attempt to learn to ski"; "gave me a serious look"; "a serious young man"; "are you serious or joking?"; "Don't be so serious!".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Antonyms
Related Words
Meaning 6
Of great consequence; "marriage is a serious matter".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Signing a 30-year mortgage is a serious financial commitment.
- This disease is a serious health threat, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Deciding which college to attend is a serious decision for any high school senior.
- Corporate governance is a serious responsibility, as companies can be fined or even dissolved if found negligent.
- Academic integrity is a serious concern on this campus, as it is reflected in every course, exam, and final paper.