legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē 

plural legalities

1

: attachment to or observance of law

2

: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness

3

legalities plural : obligations imposed by law

Synonyms of legality

• legitimacy

Examples of legality in a Sentence

the senator questioned the legality of the proposed surveillance operation

Recent Examples on the Web

The case did not address whether voter fraud occurred in the election, but instead only hinged on the legality of Bianco’s ballot seizure. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2026

The legality of the repayment provision has been questioned by all the municipalities that voted against the funding agreement in May. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

The County will determine whether to challenge the legality of SB 802 in court. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

The three outlets are challenging the legality of the president's ban on multiple fronts, according to the lawsuit. — Justin Gomez, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for legality

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

Kids Definition

legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈgal-ət-ē 

plural legalities

1

: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness

2

: something that is required by law

Legal Definition

legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē 

plural legalities

1

: attachment to or observance of law

2

: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness

3

plural : obligations imposed by law