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

Judkins’ Thursday announcement carried a note of finality about his Rebels career. —Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Sirianni wouldn’t even speak on the possibility of losing Graham without some finality from upcoming medical counsel. —Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Although newer generation technologies now sometimes employ blockchain technologies to help speed those up, but blockchains are still almost instantaneous in terms of finality. —Zain Jaffer, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Get your goodbyes in to the Toms, Ariana, Katie, Lala, Scheana, and James now, because their VPR days are officially behind them—which might explain the tone of finality in the season 11 finale. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 26 Nov. 2024

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

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