1. the quality or state of being grave, serious, or causing great sorrow or distress
2. the quality of being heinous or morally wrong; the degree to which an offense is serious
Usage: legal or formal contexts

Examples

• The grievousness of the accident left the entire community in shock.
• The judge considered the grievousness of the crime when determining the sentence.
• She spoke with a tone that reflected the grievousness of the situation.
• The grievousness of his illness meant he required constant medical care.
• No one could deny the grievousness of the historical tragedy.
• The grievousness of the breach of trust damaged their relationship permanently.