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

On March 2, 2026, after bragging about the awe-inspiring lethality of U.S.

From Salon

Russian and Chinese parts, including everything from warheads to electronics, remain key to the supply chain, enabling drone operation and lethality.

From Barron's

This type of vulnerability is known as synthetic lethality, a principle already used in several targeted cancer treatments.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

He rejects the term “defense” in favor of “lethality.”

From Salon