legitimacy

American  

[li-jit-uh-muh-see] / lɪˈdʒɪt ə mə si /

noun

1. the state or quality of being legitimate.

   Synonyms:

   rightfulness, legality, lawfulness

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Other Word Forms

• nonlegitimacy noun

Etymology

Origin of legitimacy

First recorded in 1685–95; legitim(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

Not helping are the lingering questions of the Golden Globes’ legitimacy.

From Salon

The legitimacy of these midvoyage changes under international maritime law is unclear, S&P said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“And once it loses its legitimacy, it loses everything.”

From Los Angeles Times

As St. Augustine observed, law derives legitimacy from morality.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms. Rodríguez herself faces insurmountable obstacles, beginning with her utter lack of legitimacy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• authority
• justice
• validity