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.
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 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

Dictionary Entries Near criminality

Cite this Entry

“Criminality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminality. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on criminality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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