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

They pressed Hamas to understand that holding the hostages was becoming a strategic liability, giving Israel a source of legitimacy to keep fighting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She has clearly shown courage and resolve in resisting President Nicolás Maduro’s increasingly corrupt and despotic regime, which has finally lost its last vestiges of international left-wing legitimacy.

Read more on Salon

According to civil society activist Abine Ayah, the likely exclusion of much of the English-speaking community could undermine the legitimacy of the election.

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For decades, China’s Communist Party has commissioned a steady flow of World War II books, films and television series to bolster its legitimacy, much of which casts Japan as an implacable villain.

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But while the Taliban are "seeking diplomatic recognition and legitimacy", Donthi said, others noted that was some way off.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• authority 
• justice 
• validity