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

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

The finality was nowhere near as abrupt as the time Bill Mazeroski’s homer over left fielder Yogi Berra’s head on a pitch by Ralph Terry. —Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

The film leaves us with no easy answers, no sense of finality about this family and the project of gentrification that is rewriting the culture of Miami. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Sep. 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