totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈta-lə-tē 

plural totalities

1

: an aggregate amount : sum, whole

the totality of human knowledge

2

a

: the quality or state of being total : wholeness

This … looks at the problem globally, in its totality

—Philip Landrigan, quoted at NPR.org

b

: the phase of an eclipse during which it is total : the state of total eclipse

Synonyms

• total
• sum
• whole

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The author of this essay has failed to look at this social issue in totality. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025

Contained in its 15 tracks is an exploration of the totality of the human spirit, pushed to the brink and brought back time and again. —Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

Add a few more days for a 14-day Eclipse in Iceland voyage onboard Oceania Marina, directly in the path of totality. —Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025

Djerf had ineffective counsel, and the courts never considered the totality of his mental health issues and brain damage when he was sentenced to death, Day said. —Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing totality

• in its/their totality

Rhymes for totality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Kids Definition

totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural totalities

1

: a combined amount : sum, whole

2

: the quality or state of being total : entirety

rejected the scheme in its totality