originality
Americannoun
-
the quality or state of being original.
- Synonyms:
- ingenuity, inventiveness, creativeness, cleverness
-
ability to think or express oneself in an independent and individual manner; creative ability.
-
freshness or novelty, as of an idea, method, or performance.
- Synonyms:
- creativeness, cleverness, ingenuity, inventiveness
noun
-
the quality or condition of being original
-
the ability to create or innovate
-
something original
Other Word Forms
- unoriginality noun
Etymology
Origin of originality
From the French word originalité, dating back to 1735–45. See original, -ity
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.
This time, we’re seeing the actor’s answer to “The Studio,” only instead of satirizing the industry’s artistically cheapening franchise obsession, it warns of the full extinction of originality by way of ChatGPT.
From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026
"This Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a remarkable legacy built on originality and enduring influence, that continues to connect with fans worldwide."
From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026
In slopestyle, athletes navigate a course with a variety of obstacles, including rails and various jumps, and are judged on the breadth, originality, and quality of their stunts.
From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026
Mixing American history with wild fabulation, and parental grief with Buddhist spirituality, the book’s weirdness and originality helped smuggle through its schmaltzy moralizing about selflessness and empathy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026
His only hope for originality was the Theorem.
From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green
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.
