instrumentality

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē 

-ˌmen-

plural instrumentalities

1

: the quality or state of being instrumental

2

: means, agency

Synonyms

• agency
• agent
• instrument
• machinery
• means
• medium
• ministry
• organ
• vehicle

Examples of instrumentality in a Sentence

computer literacy is only an instrumentality for acquiring an education, and not an end in itself

Recent Examples on the Web

Amtrak is also not considered a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government and its overseeing regulatory body, the OIG, remains open during shutdowns as well. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

Amtrak is also not considered a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government and its overseeing regulatory body, the OIG, remains open during shutdowns as well. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

But the instrumentality of so many of his characters seems to have reached a nadir in The City and Its Uncertain Walls. —Bailey Trela, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

Moore said Tuesday, after the meeting, that the city controlling the budget would not be a legal conflict of interest, as the PAB is an instrumentality of Baltimore City. —Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for instrumentality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

Kids Definition

instrumentality

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtal-ət-ē 

-ˌmen-

plural instrumentalities

1

: the quality or state of being instrumental

2

: something by which an end is achieved : means

order was restored through the instrumentality of rules

Legal Definition

instrumentality

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌin-strə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē, -ˌmen- 

plural instrumentalities

1

: something through which an end is achieved or occurs

damages incurred in a single incident through an instrumentality owned by the employer

2

: something that serves as an intermediary or agent through which one or more functions of a larger controlling entity are carried out : a part or branch especially of a governing body compare alter ego