criminality

noun

crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being criminal

2

: criminal activity

urban criminality

Synonyms

• crime
• lawbreaking
• lawlessness

Examples of criminality in a Sentence

a report on the drop in criminality in large urban centers

Recent Examples on the Web

Well, one option might be to assume that the anonymous cash will be used primarily by criminals and possession of it will be taken to be prima facie evidence of criminality. —David G.w. Birch, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Provided that the opposition is united in its decision, another electoral contest can serve as a moment for the opposition to marshal evidence of the regime’s criminality and to dial up internal pressure via street-level organizing. —Christopher Sabatini, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2024

Because their original criminality did not have consequences. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 16 Oct. 2024

There is a sense that in criminality, that there is not a punishment. ... —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

criminal entry 1 + -ity, perhaps after French criminalité

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

criminality

noun

crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being criminal

can't understand the criminality of his act

2

: crime sense 3

violent criminality