legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē 

: the quality or state of being legitimate

Synonyms of legitimacy

• lawfulness
• legality

Examples of legitimacy in a Sentence

the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations

Recent Examples on the Web

The idea garners rare bipartisan interest, potentially providing AI companies legitimacy and addressing public anxiety about the technology's future impact. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

At the time, Sheriff Nanos questioned the third letter's legitimacy. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026

If a person who claims to be a part of a government agency or any other official entity sends you documents, call that agency to verify the legitimacy of the information. — Ella Moore july 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Authorities have not publicly confirmed the legitimacy of the first two notes that have been deemed possibly authentic — or a series of separate emails believed to be unrelated claiming to have knowledge about what happened to Guthrie. — Michael Ruiz , Matt Finn, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for legitimacy

• illegitimacy

Kids Definition

legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē 

: the quality or state of being legitimate

Legal Definition

legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē 

: the quality or state of being legitimate