legitimacy

[li-jit-uh-muh-see]

noun

1. the state or quality of being legitimate.

   Synonyms: rightfulness, legality, lawfulness

Other Word Forms

• nonlegitimacy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legitimacy¹

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

Example Sentences

The move at the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state torches that policy, declaring to the world that savagery and maximalist rejectionism are the currency of international legitimacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Retired generals and other high-ranking officers, as well as members of the national security community, have publicly warned that deploying the country’s military against Americans for law enforcement harms morale and the forces’ legitimacy.

From Salon

The meeting was described as a “failed bro-fest” that gave Putin legitimacy through a red-carpet welcome without requiring any concessions in return.

From Los Angeles Times

The loss reopens old criticism about the legitimacy of Álvarez’s victories and quality of his opponents.

From Los Angeles Times

They embodied authority, carried cultural meaning and gave their holders the sense that legitimacy itself could be claimed at the barrel of a gun.

From Salon

Related Words

• authority 
• justice 
• validity