noun
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the state or character of being neutral, esp in a dispute, contest, etc
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the condition of being chemically or electrically neutral
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of neutrality
late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at neutral, -ity
Explanation
If you refuse to take sides in an argument over whether Batman or Superman is the greatest superhero, then you are practicing neutrality. Whether you admire both equally or you simply don’t care, you are a neutral party. Neutrality can be used broadly to describe individuals or organizations in relationship to any kind of dispute, but it most often refers to countries that don’t engage in war. For example, Sweden has a long and famous tradition of neutrality, as it has not gone to war since 1814. Referees for sporting events are also supposed to work from a position of neutrality — that is, they should never favor one team over another.
Vocabulary lists containing neutrality
American History II
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Western Europe - Introductory
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "N"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Neutrality makes economic sense for Pakistan, which relies on oil and gas imports through the Strait of Hormuz and wants to avoid getting dragged into further conflict on its doorstep.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
Brian Soucek is the author of “The Opinionated University: Academic Freedom, Diversity, and the Myth of Neutrality in American Higher Education,” which will be published by the University of Chicago Press on Jan. 12.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026
Neutrality prevents both sides of a conflict from hindering humanitarian aid, Mirjana Spoljaric, the Red Cross president, writes.
From New York Times • May 31, 2023
He opposed both the destroyers-for-bases deal with Britain and repealing the Neutrality Act.
From Salon • Jan. 7, 2023
Neutrality was the most the separatists could hope for, given their history of attacking the Cherokee.
From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
