serious meaning and definition

SERIOUS adjective

Definition of serious (adjective)

1. concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
   • "a serious student of history"; "a serious attempt to learn to ski"; "gave me a serious look"; "a serious young man"; "are you serious or joking?"; "Don't be so serious!"
   • antonym: frivolous
2. of great consequence
   • "marriage is a serious matter"
3. causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm
   • "a dangerous operation"; "a grave situation"; "a grave illness"; "grievous bodily harm"; "a serious wound"; "a serious turn of events"; "a severe case of pneumonia"; "a life-threatening disease"
   • synonyms: dangerous, grave, grievous, life-threatening, severe
4. appealing to the mind
   • "good music"; "a serious book"
   • synonyms: good
5. completely lacking in playfulness
   • synonyms: sober, unplayful
   • antonym: playful
6. requiring effort or concentration; complex and not easy to answer or solve
   • "raised serious objections to the proposal"; "the plan has a serious flaw"