validity

noun

va·​lid·​i·​ty və-ˈli-də-tē 

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

Adaptations made during a trial can potentially introduce biases or affect the validity of the results if not carefully controlled. —Raviv Pryluk and Mike Walsh, STAT, 12 July 2024

There appeared to be inconsistencies with the process and the lack of confirming the validity of ballots. —Kerria Weaver, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024

The 10-page filing on Friday also seizes on the concurring opinion by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Clarence Thomas, who wrote that lower federal courts should closely examine the validity of the appointments of special counsels such as Smith. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2024

Listening can also be a good way to build bridges with people who might hold different opinions on climate change or challenge its validity, Bagley said. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 4 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

validity

noun

va·​lid·​i·​ty

və-ˈlid-ət-ē,

va-

: the quality or state of being valid