fatality

noun

fa·tal·i·ty | \ fā-ˈta-lə-tē

, fə-\

plural fatalities

Definition of fatality

1a : the quality or state of causing death or destruction

b : the quality or condition of being destined for disaster

2 : something established by fate

3a : fate sense 1

b : fatalism

4 : the agent or agency of fate

5a : death resulting from a disaster

b : one that experiences a fatal outcome

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about fatality

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Synonyms for fatality

Synonyms

casualty, loss, prey, victim

Examples of fatality in a Sentence

The car crash caused one fatality and several serious injuries. the grim reminder that every holiday weekend inevitably results in a slew of highway fatalities

Recent Examples on the Web

Tighter regulations, technology improvements and automation that has led to fewer people working in mines are behind the falling number of mining fatalities, according to data from government agencies and industry groups. — Alistair Macdonald, WSJ, "As Global Mining Fatalities Fall, Brazil Deaths Show Problems Remain," 28 Jan. 2019 Indeed, a private space fatality (during an operational crash, not a test flight) would have major repercussions. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "The 4 Things That Could Hobble the Commercial Space Revolution," 14 Jan. 2019 Add to that the lives saved via cleaner air and water, along with fatalities avoided by mitigating warming. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "7 bad science and health ideas that should die with 2018," 26 Dec. 2018 Density means shorter commutes and less driving, leading to less congestion, fewer road fatalities, and improved health outcomes from cleaner air. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "As cities confront climate change, is density the answer?," 11 Dec. 2018 And down south in Los Angeles County, the Woolsey Fire has destroyed 616 structures, with 57,000 still in danger and three fatalities confirmed. — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "For Those Grappling With California Wildfires, Dangerous Air Quality Is a New Risk," 16 Nov. 2018 His death is believed to be Cape Cod’s first fatality attributed to a shark in 80 years. — Michael Bartiromo, Fox News, "Shark attacks spark concern for Cape Cod beachgoers: 'They're eating our children'," 28 Sep. 2018 The incident marks Massachusetts’s first shark bite fatality in 82 years; the last one took place in 1936, when a 16-year-old died after being bitten. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "A Man Died After Being Attacked By a Shark on a Cape Cod Beach," 16 Sep. 2018 As the mutual retribution continues, though, and a fatality ensues, Dana comes to perceive her new friend as a homicidal maniac with vindictive plans for everyone from Dana’s ex-writing partner to Dana herself. — Tom Nolan, WSJ, "Mysteries: The Trials of an Ethical Thief," 11 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fatality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.