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.
In a statement, Tory Lanez’s legal team condemned the assault and denied any legitimacy to Casio’s claims. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 27 May 2025 Yet Vance has for years been picking an argument with the Chief Justice over the legitimacy of federal court orders. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025 That imbalance has fueled growing public distrust in the legitimacy of our nation's highest court. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 If you're asked for personal information, double-check the legitimacy of the request. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimacy. Accessed 4 Jun. 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
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