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 • Mar. 10, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 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

If this condition proves true, could this new lethality fundamentally change the construct for designing American doctrine and strategy?

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