1. (

• softness

) the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded ;

2. (

• unfitness ,
• softness ,

) poor physical condition; being out of shape or out of condition (as from a life of ease and luxury) ;

3. (

• balminess ,
• softness ,

) the quality of weather that is deliciously mild and soothing; "the day's heat faded into balminess"; "the climate had the softness of the south of France" ;

4. (

• softness

) a state of declining economic condition; "orders have recently picked up after a period of extreme softness"; "he attributes the disappointing results to softness in the economy" ;

5. (

• softness ,

) a sound property that is free from loudness or stridency; "and in softness almost beyond hearing" ;

6. (

• softness ,

) a visual property that is subdued and free from brilliance or glare; "the softness of the morning sky" ;

7. (

• gentleness ,
• softness ,
• mildness ,

) acting in a manner that is gentle and mild and even-tempered; "his fingers have learned gentleness"; "suddenly her gigantic power melted into softness for the baby"; "even in the pulpit there are moments when mildness of manner is not enough" ;

8. (

• indistinctness ,
• softness ,
• blurriness ,
• fogginess ,
• fuzziness

) the quality of being indistinct and without sharp outlines ;

9. (

• effeminacy ,
• effeminateness ,
• sissiness ,
• softness ,
• womanishness ,
• unmanliness

) the trait of being effeminate (derogatory of a man); "the students associated science with masculinity and arts with effeminacy"; "Spartans accused Athenians of effeminateness"; "he was shocked by the softness of the atmosphere surrounding the young prince, arising from the superfluity of the femininity that guided him" ;

10. (

• softness ,

) a disposition to be lenient in judging others; "softness is not something permitted of good leaders" ;