legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē 

: the quality or state of being legitimate

Synonyms of legitimacy

• lawfulness
• legality

Examples of legitimacy in a Sentence

the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations

Recent Examples on the Web

Dozens of medical professionals have openly promoted access to retatrutide, and some sellers have been aided by an independent, blue-chip certification that gives them the appearance of legitimacy and the ability to advertise it on social media. — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

But the caller was unable to provide a code that would help verify the legitimacy of the request. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Some conservative legislators and advocacy groups have also been challenging the legitimacy of surrogacy, a few with plans to limit or even ban it. — Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026

The regime transmuted its coercive force into political legitimacy through the spectacular destruction of dissident bodies, restoring reverence for the Eagle. — Abdelrahman Elgendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for legitimacy

• illegitimacy

Kids Definition

legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē 

: the quality or state of being legitimate

Legal Definition

legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē 

: the quality or state of being legitimate