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.
The legitimacy of the designer’s creations is clear in look one, a leather overcoat paired with lush matching trousers. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025 Stakeholders may question the legitimacy of the effort, and resistance can derail progress. Chaitra Vedullapalli, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 There is, though, a misconception in imagining that the legitimacy of the entire Qatari project at PSG (and likewise the Abu Dhabi project at City) hinges on Champions League success. Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Litigation came virtually instantly against some parts of Trump’s plans, including a birthright citizenship order that could force all new parents to prove the legitimacy of their U.S. citizenship. Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 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 Jan. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!