intentionality

American  

[in-ten-shuh-nal-i-tee] / ɪnˌtɛn ʃəˈnæl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the fact or quality of being done on purpose or with intent.

   The author’s choice here may not have been intentionally racially charged, but discrimination and prejudice are often not rooted in intentionality.

2. an attitude of purposefulness, with a commitment to deliberate action.

   “Active hope” is a practice that does not require optimism; instead, it requires intentionality.

3. Metaphysics.

   1. the capacity of the mind to refer to an existent or nonexistent object.

      The mind has intentionality as it is directed toward something it affirms, desires, loves, or hates; but the something is not necessarily real.

   2. (said of consciousness or a sign) the fact or property of pointing beyond itself.

      We relate to the world through intentionality—the capacity of consciousness to be about states of affairs outside itself.

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Etymology

Origin of intentionality

First recorded in 1610–20; from Medieval Latin intentiōnālitās, equivalent to intentional ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

Today, the places that call themselves speakeasies are about intentionality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

UCLA’s bench was uplifted all season by Close’s warm intentionality, learned from years of mentorship from Wooden.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

Mark Olsen: It seems like you’ve been approaching your career with such a sense of intentionality and purpose.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

There is a lack of intentionality around how you both manage your money.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025

I. That intentionality should be cultivated, I need not spend many words in explaining.

From The Teacher Essays and Addresses on Education by Palmer, Alice Freeman