1560s, "perfection," a sense now obsolete, from absolute (adj.) + -ness. Meaning "unlimited rule" is from 1610s; that of "unconditional quality" is from 1650s.

"quality of being active, activity," c. 1600, from active + -ness.

"state or quality of being alert," 1714, from alert (adj.) + -ness.

"life, vigor, state or condition of being alive," 1853, from alive + -ness.

"liability to answer, disposition to respond to," 1830, from amenable + -ness.

"American quality, origination, or nature," 1860, from American (adj.) + -ness.

Our legislator took to Congress several securities against erroneous action, several securities of largeness, liberality, American-ness, if I may be suffered thus to coin a word. [Robert B. Warden, "Life and Character of Stephen Arnold Douglas," Columbus, 1860]

"state of being apart," 1849, from apart + -ness.

"state or quality of being apt" in any sense, 1530s, from apt + -ness.

"tendency toward self-assertion," 1867, short for self-assertiveness (1855); see assertive + -ness.

"heedfulness, attention. state of being attentive," mid-15c., from attentive + -ness.