criminality

[krim-uh-nal-i-tee]

noun

plural

criminalities 

1. the state of being criminal.

2. a criminal act or practice.

Other Word Forms

• noncriminality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of criminality¹

From the Medieval Latin word crīminālitās, dating back to 1605–15. See criminal, -ity

Example Sentences

The SFO told Panorama: "When we don't progress a referral, we're not dismissing concerns about potential criminality. It simply means that it is assessed as not meeting the criteria for the SFO to investigate."

Read more on BBC

"Even when someone is not convicted in the UK, we are still able to ensure they do not benefit from their criminality," he said.

Read more on BBC

"I believe these convictions sends a message to those involved in serious criminality that we remain determined to bring you to justice."

Read more on BBC

Mudavadi also said the Kenyan government had concerns about the increasing number of nationals who have been recruited into "forced criminality" such as drug trafficking and forced labour in foreign countries.

Read more on BBC

In pleas written from a Bangkok prison and seen by AFP, She denied all allegations of criminality and insisted his company was simply an "urban developer".

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• atrocity 
• breach 
• case 
• corruption 
• evil 
• felony 
• infraction 
• lawlessness 
• misconduct 
• misdeed 
• misdemeanor 
• scandal 
• transgression 
• violation 
• wrongdoing