slanderousness

transitive verb | \ ˈslan-dər \ | slan·der

1. : to utter slander against

noun

1. : defamation of a person by unprivileged oral communication made to a third party; also : defamatory oral statements : defamatory oral statements

2. : the tort of oral defamation sued his former employer for slander — compare defamation, false light, libel

   Note: An action for slander may be brought without alleging and proving special damages if the statements in question have a plainly harmful character, as by imputing to the plaintiff criminal guilt, serious sexual misconduct, or conduct or a characteristic affecting his or her business or profession.