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

Critics cited concerns about the legality and the potential impact on employees who have a doctor’s prescription to legally use the drug. —Barbara Hoebrock, Oklahoma Voice, 13 Mar. 2026

The question over the program’s legality centers on the source of the funds. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

But this isn’t about legality or morality. —Jason Jones, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Democrats have sparred with Republicans and the administration over the legality of the strikes. —Sam Gringlas, NPR, 10 Mar. 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