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

On Capitol Hill, some leaders from both parties have questioned the legality of the strikes and whether the president has the constitutional power to authorize them. —Laura Romero, ABC News, 3 Dec. 2025

In a rare bipartisan move, both panels quickly announced investigations, saying unresolved questions about legality, transparency and oversight demand urgent attention. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

The suit also seeks to block those levies from being collected as the Supreme Court weighs the tariffs' legality. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2025

Justices seemed skeptical about their legality during last month's oral arguments. —Alina Selyukh, NPR, 2 Dec. 2025

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