1. the condition of being unable or unwilling to speak
2. the quality of making no sound or being silent

Examples

• The child’s muteness worried his parents until doctors determined it was temporary.
• Her muteness during the meeting was interpreted as disagreement.
• The muteness of the forest at dawn was both peaceful and eerie.
• He broke his muteness only to ask for water.
• The muteness of the protest spoke louder than any chant could have.
• Medical conditions can sometimes cause temporary muteness in patients.