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serious

adjective
se·​ri·​ous | \ ˈsir-ē-əs How to pronounce serious (audio) \

Definition of serious

1 : thoughtful or subdued in appearance or manner : sober a quiet, serious girl
2a : requiring much thought or work serious study
b : of or relating to a matter of importance a serious play
3a : not joking or trifling : being in earnest a serious question
b archaic : pious
c : deeply interested : devoted a serious musician
4a : not easily answered or solved serious objections
b : having important or dangerous possible consequences a serious injury
5 : excessive or impressive in quality, quantity, extent, or degree serious stereo equipment making serious money serious drinking
Other Words from serious Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about serious

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Other Words from serious

seriousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for serious

serious, grave, solemn, sedate, staid, sober, earnest mean not light or frivolous. serious implies a concern for what really matters. a serious play about social injustice grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude. read the proclamation in a grave voice solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity. a sad and solemn occasion sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness. remained sedate amid the commotion staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint. a quiet and staid community sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity. a sober look at the state of our schools earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose. an earnest reformer

serious, solemn, and earnest mean not funny or not playful. serious means being concerned or seeming to be concerned about really important things. He's a serious student. solemn is used for dignity along with complete seriousness. The preacher is always very solemn. earnest means that someone is sincere and has serious intentions. She's an earnest, diligent student.

Examples of serious in a Sentence

“You sound terrible.” “It's just a bad cold. Nothing serious.” For my brother, not going to college was a serious mistake. Crime is a serious problem in this neighborhood. The team is a serious contender for the championship. If you want to quit smoking, you have to make a serious effort. They had a serious conversation about their relationship. a serious novel about modern life The story raises serious questions about our system of justice. Dog shows are a serious business. She is a serious cyclist who rides 200 miles each week.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 With a big, sloppy hurricane — say 50% larger in size — all of Florida would be under a serious threat, but that's not the case, said University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy. — Seth Borenstein, Anchorage Daily News, "Cutting it close: Florida’s fate may be a matter of miles," 2 Sep. 2019 In the early 2000s, Japanese whisky was in serious decline, and no one planned on a whisky award or a popular soap opera happening down the line—definitely not in the same year. — Emily Price, Fortune, "How a Soap Opera Led to a Japanese Whisky Shortage," 1 Sep. 2019 Before the report’s publication, Journal representatives in Beijing were warned by Chinese Foreign Ministry officials that running the story would result in serious consequences, two people with knowledge of the matter said. — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, "China expels Wall Street Journal reporter over coverage of Xi’s family," 30 Aug. 2019 This unfortunate situation reflects the serious consequences of high-stakes standardized tests, which can impact a student’s ability to graduate or obtain crucial financial assistance for college. — James Vaznis, BostonGlobe.com, "Controversial MCAS question hurt scores of some black students, study finds," 30 Aug. 2019 This has serious consequences at a policy level, for diplomacy, so many other things. — Nr Staff, National Review, "Episode 162: Gaffe-Prone, but Going Strong," 30 Aug. 2019 Defaulting on student loans can have serious consequences that hurt your credit and prevent you from receiving financial aid in the future. — David J. Nguyen, The Conversation, "5 things to consider before taking out a student loan," 28 Aug. 2019 When Border Patrol agents do get into trouble, they are often permitted to plead guilty to lesser charges and avoid jail time or other serious consequences, according to experts and agency insiders. — Justin Rohrlich, Quartz, "A rare prosecution and resignation of a US border agent who assaulted a migrant," 27 Aug. 2019 Online bullying has serious real-life consequences. — Courtney E. Smith, refinery29.com, "When Fans Go To War, Can Anything Be Done To Stop Them?," 24 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'serious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of serious

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for serious

Middle English seryows, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French serious, from Late Latin seriosus, alteration of Latin serius weighty, serious; probably akin to Old English swǣr heavy, sad

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More Definitions for serious

serious

adjective
How to pronounce serious (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of serious

: having an important or dangerous possible result
: involving or deserving a lot of thought, attention, or work
: giving a lot of attention or energy to something

See the full definition for serious in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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