lethality

American  

[lee-thal-i-tee] / liˈθæl ɪ ti /

Also lethalness

noun

1. the capacity to cause great harm, destruction, or death.

   Many pathogens are self-limited by their own lethality—the host dies before it has a chance to spread the pathogen.

2. the likelihood of causing great harm, destruction, or death.

   Mutations can increase or decrease lethality, but most viruses mutate to less lethal forms.

3. death.

   Prion diseases, such as so-called “mad cow,” are characterized by neurodegeneration and lethality.

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Etymology

Origin of lethality

lethal ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

Or, it would be if we didn’t have so many cringe-inducing comments from Hegseth, such as: “maximum lethality, not tepid legality.”

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Earlier research has shown that the pain caused by stinging insects does not always match the lethality of their venom.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

Meanwhile in Ukraine, drone warfare is evolving with astonishing speed and lethality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

"The location will host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training" as well as "increase lethality, interoperability," he said.

From Barron's • Oct. 11, 2025

In other words, modern non-nuclear precision weapons perhaps could produce effects against enemy targets roughly comparable to the military lethality of theater-level nuclear weapons.

From Shock and Awe — Achieving Rapid Dominance by Wade, James P.