malignancy

noun

ma·​lig·​nan·​cy mə-ˈlig-nən(t)-sē 

plural malignancies

1

: the quality or state of being malignant

2

a

: exhibition (as by a tumor) of malignant qualities : virulence

b

: a malignant tumor

Synonyms of malignancy

• malice
• venom
• hatred
• cruelty

Examples of malignancy in a Sentence

the malignancy of the tumor

The test revealed a malignancy in the patient's chest.

Recent Examples on the Web

Radiologists are required to compare new scans to prior scans to determine the malignancy risk of each nodule detected. — Oran Muduroglu, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

The drug, brand name Rasonque, is the first to attack a genetic cause of the aggressive, highly lethal malignancy. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026

But the tests didn’t reveal any malignancies. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

Yes, daraxonrasib is being studied by researchers as a potential treatment for additional malignancies caused by RAS mutations. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

malignancy

noun

ma·​lig·​nan·​cy mə-ˈlig-nən-sē 

plural malignancies

1

: the quality or state of being malignant

2

: a malignant tumor

Medical Definition

malignancy

noun

ma·​lig·​nan·​cy mə-ˈlig-nən-sē 

plural malignancies

1

: the quality or state of being malignant

2

a

: exhibition (as by a tumor) of malignant qualities : virulence

b

: a malignant tumor