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.
The movie exploited the loosening codes of the time, to make for a more frank depiction of urban criminality. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 31 May 2025 In the defense’s opener, Geragos said the money was offered to shield bad publicity, not evidence of criminality. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025 By the end of the film, Gekko went to prison for widespread criminality. Albert Kim, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Alex Alonso, a gang researcher in Los Angeles, told me that, although Black street gangs are often associated with criminality, estimates suggest that only around fifteen per cent of gang members are actually involved in violent crime. Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 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 7 Jun. 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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