criminality

noun

crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce criminality (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being criminal
2
: criminal activity
urban criminality

Examples of criminality in a Sentence

a report on the drop in criminality in large urban centers
Recent Examples on the Web That office is a separate arm of CBP created in 2016 to investigate serious misconduct and potential criminality by CBP personnel. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2024 Image The impunity and criminality that Raziq fostered metastasized after his death, eating away at Kandahar from within. Matthieu Aikins Bryan Denton, New York Times, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for criminality 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'criminality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

criminal entry 1 + -ity, perhaps after French criminalité

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of criminality was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near criminality

Cite this Entry

“Criminality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminality. Accessed 2 Jun. 2024.

Legal Definition

criminality

noun
crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce criminality (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being criminal
can't understand the criminality of his act
2
: crime sense 3
violent criminality

More from Merriam-Webster on criminality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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