1. a disposition to be lenient in judging others

e.g. softness is not something permitted of good leaders

2. the trait of being effeminate (derogatory of a man)

e.g. 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

Synonym: effeminacyeffeminatenesssissinesswomanishnessunmanliness

3. the quality of being indistinct and without sharp outlines

Synonym: indistinctnessblurrinessfogginessfuzziness

4. acting in a manner that is gentle and mild and even-tempered

e.g. 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

Synonym: gentlenessmildness

5. the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded

6. a visual property that is subdued and free from brilliance or glare

e.g. the softness of the morning sky

7. a sound property that is free from loudness or stridency

e.g. and in softness almost beyond hearing

8. a state of declining economic condition

e.g. orders have recently picked up after a period of extreme softness
he attributes the disappointing results to softness in the economy

9. the quality of weather that is deliciously mild and soothing

e.g. the day's heat faded into balminess
the climate had the softness of the south of France

Synonym: balminess

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

Synonym: unfitness