originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌri-jə-ˈna-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being original

2

: freshness of aspect, design, or style

3

: the power of independent thought or constructive imagination

Synonyms

• freshness
• newness
• novelty

Examples of originality in a Sentence

Critics have praised the movie's startling originality.

I was amazed by the originality of her ideas.

Recent Examples on the Web

Winning no prizes for originality, the 32-year-old German is referring to Coldplay. —The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025

Otherwise, your pitch shows lack of originality and caretaking. —Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

Plagiarism checks are included, but originality reports are considered extras. —Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025

This should make Disney reconsider the course the company has been on in recent years and the widespread perception the live-action flood has created that this is little more than a massive cash-grab altogether devoid of originality and creativity. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for originality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

Kids Definition

originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌrij-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being original : freshness

the originality of an idea

2

: the power or ability to think, act, or do something in new ways : creativity

an artist of great originality

Legal Definition

originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty

: the quality or fact of being the product of individual creation that warrants copyright protection for a particular work regardless of novelty