legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Examples of legitimacy in a Sentence

the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This week and their response to the win over the Chiefs will go a long way to confirming their legitimacy. Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Led by President Mahmoud Abbas, who succeeded Arafat upon his death two decades ago, the PA's legitimacy has been beset by accusations of corruption, lack of elections and growing violence by Israeli settlers and armed Palestinian factions. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 These features not only educate broader audiences but also build legitimacy with investors, policymakers and consumers who may not regularly read cannabis trade media. Cynthia Salarizadeh, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025 For the first time since its establishment, question marks are being raised about the very legitimacy of the State of Israel. Ehud Barak, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legitimacy

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legitimacy was in 1625

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimacy. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

legitimacy

noun
le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Legal Definition

legitimacy

noun
le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

More from Merriam-Webster on legitimacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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