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

By summarizing the life you’ve lived so far and the life you want to have from now on, you add meaning and intentionality to your days.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

He added that there is "a new intentionality in Venezuelan politics in line with the alliance schemes that exist on the geopolitical level between Venezuela and the United States."

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

We are calling for accountability, intentionality, and equity in casting and storytelling.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

An elective college which did not make changes of electives difficult would be an engine for discouraging intentionality and persistence.

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