noun
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the state or character of being neutral, esp in a dispute, contest, etc
-
the condition of being chemically or electrically neutral
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of neutrality
late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at neutral, -ity
Explanation
If you refuse to take sides in an argument over whether Batman or Superman is the greatest superhero, then you are practicing neutrality. Whether you admire both equally or you simply don’t care, you are a neutral party. Neutrality can be used broadly to describe individuals or organizations in relationship to any kind of dispute, but it most often refers to countries that don’t engage in war. For example, Sweden has a long and famous tradition of neutrality, as it has not gone to war since 1814. Referees for sporting events are also supposed to work from a position of neutrality — that is, they should never favor one team over another.
Vocabulary lists containing neutrality
American History II
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Western Europe - Introductory
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "N"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The pollution limit — or cap — declines each year, reducing the total amount of emissions in the state and helping California reach its ambitious climate targets, including 100% carbon neutrality by 2045.
From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026
Climate transition bonds are aimed at raising funds to tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality in Japan.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
"But that neutrality means they barely interact with their environment, making them bad at the sort of signal-switching logic that computers depend on."
From Science Daily • May 19, 2026
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said at the weekend that assistance for the territory's 2.1 million population "must be scaled up by removing impediments and safeguarding neutrality of aid".
From BBC • May 5, 2026
Smuts, then deputy prime minister, was campaigning around the country for South Africa to declare war on Germany while the prime minister, J. B. Hertzog, advocated neutrality.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
