fatality

noun

fa·​tal·​i·​ty fā-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce fatality (audio)
fə-
plural fatalities
1
a
: the quality or state of causing death or destruction
b
: the quality or condition of being destined for disaster
2
: something established by fate
3
4
: the agent or agency of fate
5
a
: death resulting from a disaster
b
: one that experiences a fatal outcome

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 Soviet authorities, evading responsibility, never confirmed more than 145 fatalities. Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Nov. 2023 The number of fatalities in Israel from the Hamas attacks is over 1,300, including 27 Americans, per NBC News, which cited U.S. officials. Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2023 That harrowing statistic made 2022 the third straight year that guns were the leading cause of death for those under the age of 19 in the country—after such deaths overtook fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents in 2020. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 22 Nov. 2023 Should a Boring Company tunnel ever collapse, former employees recognize the impact would be devastating—even if there are no fatalities. Byjessica Mathews, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2023 October saw the fewest fatalities in a single month this year, with 13 people slain, according to police data. Olivia Diaz, Washington Post, 13 Nov. 2023 The Camp Fire caused at least 85 civilian fatalities and injured five firefighters. John Riha, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2023 All the changes in California have led to a 55% reduction in fatalities since 2019. John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023 Ten of the 13 fatalities listed the place of death as a residence, coroner’s data show. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fatality.' 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

Middle French fatalité, from Late Latin fatalitat-, fatalitas, from Latin fatalis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fatality was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near fatality

Cite this Entry

“Fatality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fatality. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

fatality

noun
fa·​tal·​i·​ty fā-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce fatality (audio)
fə-
plural fatalities
: a death resulting from a disaster or accident

Medical Definition

fatality

noun
fa·​tal·​i·​ty fā-ˈtal-ət-ē, fə- How to pronounce fatality (audio)
plural fatalities
1
: the quality or state of causing death or destruction : deadliness
the degree of fatality of a disease
2
a
: death resulting from a disaster
a car crash causing several fatalities
b
: one who suffers such a death
one of the fatalities was a small child

More from Merriam-Webster on fatality

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