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

The Nakamoto Upgrade allowed Stacks to inherit 100% Bitcoin finality and introduced faster block speeds, significantly improving user experience. —Leeor Shimron, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Xaver's lead public defender, Jane McNeill, urged Judge Cowden to spare his life, arguing that a life sentence would bring finality to the case, avoiding a decade of appeals and the potential for a retrial if the death sentence were overturned. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, there are two meteor showers to close out the year; the Geminids will be seen blazing in the night sky until the shower’s finality on December 21, while the Ursids will peak December 21-22, according to the American Meteor Society. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024

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