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.
Part of the problem is that, in the Brazilian legislature, corruption and criminality are so endemic as to be inextricable from the job of governance. Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 Since 2014, Ukraine has been subjected to a level of violence and criminality that reflects Russia’s utter contempt for the laws of armed conflict. The Editors, National Review, 20 Feb. 2025 There is no indication of any criminality or terrorism in the crash, a senior FBI official with the Washington field office said. Elizabeth Maline, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025 There will also be concern over whether Trump's pardons of the US Capitol rioters on January 6, will lead to further acts of violence and criminality. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 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 22 Apr. 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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