legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Examples of legitimacy in a Sentence

the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations
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.
Sometimes, bringing in an outside entity to provide a layer of legitimacy helps generate the buy-in required to find a resolution. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 The case, which is a chapter in Jones' ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, is set to return to a Texas courtroom where the legitimacy of the bankruptcy auction is under scrutiny. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 That’s hardly a ringing endorsement of cryptocurrency, but the world’s top central banker comparing bitcoin to one of the world’s oldest investment assets could be seen as a sign of legitimacy. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024 President Salome Zourabichvili, whose six-year term expires next month, has rejected the official results and refused to recognize the parliament’s legitimacy. Sophiko Megrelidze, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legitimacy 

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legitimacy was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near legitimacy

Cite this Entry

“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimacy. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

legitimacy

noun
le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Legal Definition

legitimacy

noun
le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

More from Merriam-Webster on legitimacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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