validity

noun

va·​lid·​i·​ty və-ˈli-də-tē How to pronounce validity (audio)
va-
: the quality or state of being valid: such as
a
: the state of being acceptable according to the law
The validity of the contract is being questioned.
What the federal courts have ruled … is that renunciations made behind barbed wire were essentially under duress, and thus of no legal validity.Roger Daniels
b
: the quality of being well-grounded, sound, or correct
the validity of an argument/theory
Other researchers have questioned the validity of the test results.
Later he acknowledged that there was no validity to his report.David Hiltbrand

Examples of validity in a Sentence

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.
The development of the Green Claims Directive, legislation that could require businesses to verify the validity of environmentally friendly claims made in marketing, has been placed on hold. Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 This comprehensive screening continues throughout the validity period of the visa. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2025 This new evidence sent the anthropological community into an uproar, leading many to question the validity of the dating methods. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 18 June 2025 To be on the safe side, parents should plan on replacing a child’s passport at least every three and a half years, as many countries require more than six months of passport validity to be able to use the document for entry to their country. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for validity

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of validity was circa 1577

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Validity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/validity. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

validity

noun
va·​lid·​i·​ty
və-ˈlid-ət-ē,
va-
: the quality or state of being valid

More from Merriam-Webster on validity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!