drunkenness
UK: ˈdrʌŋkənnəs | US: ˈdrʌŋkənnəs
n. the state of being drunk; intoxication
n. habitual or excessive drinking of alcohol
The word "drunkenness" traces back to Old English druncen (past participle of drincan, meaning "to drink") + the suffix -en (forming adjectives) + -ness (forming abstract nouns). The root drunk originally meant "affected by alcohol," while -en solidified its adjectival form, and -ness transformed it into a noun denoting a state or condition. Over time, "drunkenness" evolved to emphasize both the temporary state of intoxication and the chronic habit of excessive drinking.
His drunkenness made it impossible for him to walk straight.
The law penalizes public drunkenness to maintain order.
She struggled with drunkenness for years before seeking help.
The party ended early due to several guests' drunkenness.
Medieval literature often depicts drunkenness as a moral failing.