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Showing results for originality. Search instead for unoriginality.
Synonyms

originality

American  
[uh-rij-uh-nal-i-tee] / əˌrɪdʒ əˈnæl ɪ ti /

noun

  1. the quality or state of being original.

    Synonyms:
    ingenuity, inventiveness, creativeness, cleverness

  2. ability to think or express oneself in an independent and individual manner; creative ability.

  3. freshness or novelty, as of an idea, method, or performance.

    Synonyms:
    creativeness, cleverness, ingenuity, inventiveness
originality British  
/ əˌrɪdʒɪˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

  1. the quality or condition of being original

  2. the ability to create or innovate

  3. something original

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

“Kim’s Convenience” may not win points for originality, but originality isn’t really the point of an immigrant family drama meant to be instantly, one might say universally, recognizable.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 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

It is interesting that they’ve always been enormously vain about the originality of their policy insights, their perceiving before others the rise of populism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 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

In a big originality, her parents chose it, she says, for the beautiful sound.

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads

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.