criminality

noun

crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being criminal

2

: criminal activity

urban criminality

Synonyms of criminality

• crime

Examples of criminality in a Sentence

a report on the drop in criminality in large urban centers

Recent Examples on the Web

The agency is on the clock with its investigations, mandated by the state to complete accident investigations within six months, and, sources said, delays affect its ability to assess fines and determine criminality, and may have harmed families ability to receive restitution. —Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026

But the public image was always one of criminality rather than survival. —Pablo Larios, Artforum, 6 May 2026

From boardroom to drug reps, Purdue Pharma was shot through with criminality. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026

It is designed to tell a comprehensive story of enterprise criminality, not to disrupt the next retaliatory shooting. —Andrew S. Boutros, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

criminal entry 1 + -ity, perhaps after French criminalité

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for criminality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality
• illegality

Legal Definition

criminality

noun

crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being criminal

can't understand the criminality of his act

2

: crime sense 3

violent criminality