Here's how it works:
* It is added to adjectives to create nouns:
* Happy -> Happiness
* Sad -> Sadness
* Strong -> Strength
* It can also be added to some verbs to create nouns:
* Sick -> Sickness
* Dark -> Darkness
* Wild -> Wildness
Essentially, "-ness" turns an adjective or verb into a noun that embodies the concept it describes.