illegitimacy

noun

il·​le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy ˌi-li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē 

1

: the quality or state of being illegitimate

2

: bastardy sense 2

Synonyms of illegitimacy

• spuriousness
• bastardy

Examples of illegitimacy in a Sentence

she had learned of her illegitimacy while rummaging through old family records in the attic

Recent Examples on the Web

By the time Eileen was born, the matter of illegitimacy was a permanent social anxiety. — Literary Hub, 8 May 2026

An air of illegitimacy, particularly in the face of febrile nationalism, will undermine the new rulers. — Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026

But doing so would give Yoon the best chance of upending the entrenched narrative of colonial-authoritarian illegitimacy that has prevented South Korea and Japan from settling their disputes over the past for so long. — Eun A Jo, Foreign Affairs, 23 Nov. 2022

The election illegitimacy lies, which are actually right out of the KGB playbook, need to be met with a constructive dialogue with a reasonable timeline, to finally update, modernize, and make voting welcoming and easy to access for every American. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for illegitimacy

• legitimacy

Kids Definition

illegitimacy

noun

il·​le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy ˌil-i-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē 

: the quality or state of being illegitimate

Legal Definition

illegitimacy

noun

il·​le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy ˌi-li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē 

: the quality or state of being illegitimate