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
Synonyms
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
Other authorizers cannot operate instrumentality charter schools.
—
Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2023
State and local governments, agencies and instrumentalities of the federal government, and nonprofits were not eligible for payments.
—Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023
But planting trees for shade was a particular kind of instrumentality, and so was planting trees for fruit.
—Quartz Staff, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2023
The selection of a K has less to do with reality, and more with instrumentality.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2013
Neither is the zoo, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, which is a federal trust instrumentality created by Congress but not a part of the legislative branch.
—James V. Grimaldi, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022
Under an instrumentality perspective, people are degraded as pure tools whose function is to facilitate others’ goal achievement.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 June 2022
According to Wang, instrumentality is a dimension of objectification.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 June 2022
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, a governmental instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, closed its purchase of the property from Red Rock Resorts Inc.for $650 million in December.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2022
See More
Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2023
State and local governments, agencies and instrumentalities of the federal government, and nonprofits were not eligible for payments.
—Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023
But planting trees for shade was a particular kind of instrumentality, and so was planting trees for fruit.
—Quartz Staff, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2023
The selection of a K has less to do with reality, and more with instrumentality.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2013
Neither is the zoo, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, which is a federal trust instrumentality created by Congress but not a part of the legislative branch.
—James V. Grimaldi, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022
Under an instrumentality perspective, people are degraded as pure tools whose function is to facilitate others’ goal achievement.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 June 2022
According to Wang, instrumentality is a dimension of objectification.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 June 2022
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, a governmental instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, closed its purchase of the property from Red Rock Resorts Inc.for $650 million in December.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instrumentality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near instrumentality
Cite this Entry
“Instrumentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrumentality. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
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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
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