instrumentality

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē 

-ˌmen-

plural instrumentalities

1

: the quality or state of being instrumental

2

: means, agency

Synonyms

• agency
• agent
• instrument
• machinery
• means
• medium
• ministry
• organ
• vehicle

Examples of instrumentality in a Sentence

computer literacy is only an instrumentality for acquiring an education, and not an end in itself

Recent Examples on the Web

Amtrak is also not considered a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government and its overseeing regulatory body, the OIG, remains open during shutdowns as well. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

But the instrumentality of so many of his characters seems to have reached a nadir in The City and Its Uncertain Walls. —Bailey Trela, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

This dilemma can be solved in only one way, by the birth of a new faith, adjusted in its instrumentalities to the needs of the new century, but preserving the ultimate objectives of the old. —Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2011

Moore said Tuesday, after the meeting, that the city controlling the budget would not be a legal conflict of interest, as the PAB is an instrumentality of Baltimore City. —Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

instrumentality

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtal-ət-ē 

-ˌmen-

plural instrumentalities

1

: the quality or state of being instrumental

2

: something by which an end is achieved : means

order was restored through the instrumentality of rules

Legal Definition

instrumentality

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌin-strə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē, -ˌmen- 

plural instrumentalities

1

: something through which an end is achieved or occurs

damages incurred in a single incident through an instrumentality owned by the employer

2

: something that serves as an intermediary or agent through which one or more functions of a larger controlling entity are carried out : a part or branch especially of a governing body compare alter ego