finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈna-lə-tē 

fə-

plural finalities

1

a

: the character or condition of being final, settled, irrevocable, or complete

… arbitration is intended and expected to provide finality in the settlement of a dispute.

—Matthew A. Kelly

b

: the condition of being at an ultimate point especially of development or authority

2

: something final

especially : a fundamental fact, action, or belief

Examples of finality in a Sentence

“It won't work,” he said, with an air of finality.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the final seconds ticked off the clock in the first-round loss to UCLA, the realization of its finality began to settle in. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

Nearby is the Lincoln Museum, filled with period artifacts and wax-figure dioramas that span the breadth of his life, from his early cabin years to the finality of Ford's Theatre. — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Until those issues are resolved by the Supreme Court or Congress, the promise of finality in tax administration remains elusive. — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

But Calico, his breakthrough from 2023, was a treasure trove of chilling revelations and picturesque stories about loss and finality. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French finalité, from final final entry 1 + -ité -ity

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for finality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• formality
• frugality
• legality
• lethality

Kids Definition

finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈnal-ət-ē 

fə-

plural finalities

1

: the character or state of being final, settled, or complete

2

: something final

Legal Definition

finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈna-lə-tē, fə- 

1

: the state or condition of being final

2

: the principle that appeals may only be taken from final orders or judgments