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!'

completely lacking in playfulness

[ Syn: unplayful , sober ]

of great consequence; marriage is a serious matter'

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

[ Syn: dangerous , grave , grievous , severe , life-threatening ]

appealing to the mind; good music; a serious book

[ Syn: good ]

requiring effort or concentration; complex and not easy to answer or solve; raised serious objections to the proposal; the plan has a serious flaw'