criminality

noun

crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce criminality (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being criminal
2
: criminal activity
urban criminality

Examples of criminality in a Sentence

a report on the drop in criminality in large urban centers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No cause of death has been confirmed, but the NYPD says no criminality is suspected. Jack Dunn, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025 Police also told the site that Trachtenberg died of natural causes and that criminality was not suspected in her death. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 26 Feb. 2025 After its own investigation returned no evidence to indicate possible criminality, the Fort Worth Fire Department handed over control of the investigation to Northland in February. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2025 In turn, episodes of fraud and misconduct in small local governments don’t always surface publicly unless criminal charges are filed – and problems short of criminality may be kept quiet. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criminality

Word History

Etymology

criminal entry 1 + -ity, perhaps after French criminalité

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of criminality was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Criminality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminality. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Legal Definition

criminality

noun
crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce criminality (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being criminal
can't understand the criminality of his act
2
: crime sense 3
violent criminality
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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