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 United Nations Security Council backed the plan in November — giving it international legitimacy — with a mandate for the board to oversee the demilitarization and rebuilding of Gaza. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

The legitimacy of the threat, reportedly initiated by Israeli intelligence, has been widely disputed, including by some CIA officials, according to multiple outlets. — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Some interaction with the Taliban may be unavoidable, but foreign governments should not take steps that confer legitimacy on the regime, which would only embolden the group to deepen its repression at home. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

These dynamics have given transphobic claims a veneer of legitimacy under the guise of protecting women and children. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 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