gratuitousness

English

Etymology

From gratuitous +‎ -ness.

Noun

gratuitousness (uncountable)

  1. The characteristic or state of being gratuitous.
    Synonyms: needlessness, unnecessariness
    • 1894, Thomas Hardy, “For Conscience’ Sake”, in Life’s Little Ironies […], London: Osgood, McIlvaine and Co., […], →OCLC, page 27:
      Whether the utilitarian or the intuitive theory of the moral sense be upheld, it is beyond question that there are a few subtle-souled persons with whom the absolute gratuitousness of an act of reparation is an inducement to perform it; while exhortation as to its necessity would breed excuses for leaving it undone.
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