finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈna-lə-tē 

fə-

plural finalities

1

a

: the character or condition of being final, settled, irrevocable, or complete

b

: the condition of being at an ultimate point especially of development or authority

2

: something final

especially : a fundamental fact, action, or belief

Examples of finality in a Sentence

“It won't work,” he said, with an air of finality.

Recent Examples on the Web

So keep an eye out for some legislative finality this week and throughout the month of May. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025

The price finally slid below it with apparent finality in early April. —John Navin, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

In a gesture that underlined the finality of the court’s ruling, the officials removed the presidential emblem in front of the building where Mr. Yoon used to work as president. —John Yoon, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

But the Florida Supreme Court was more interested in accuracy than finality and unanimously rejected Moody’s argument, voting to allow the evidence that Ziegler’s legal team says debunks the prosecution’s claims and theories from back in the 1970s. —Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French finalité, from final final entry 1 + -ité -ity

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for finality

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

Kids Definition

finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈnal-ət-ē 

fə-

plural finalities

1

: the character or state of being final, settled, or complete

2

: something final

Legal Definition

finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈna-lə-tē, fə- 

1

: the state or condition of being final

2

: the principle that appeals may only be taken from final orders or judgments