Search Dictionary
Definition of legitimacy

legitimacy

/ləˈdʒɪt.ə.mə.si/
le · git · i · ma · cy
Adverb:legitimately
•
Plural:legitimacies
•
Adjective:legitimate
JUMP TO:

legitimacy Lexical Profile

legitimacy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Conformity to the law or to established rules, standards, or principles; the quality of being valid, rightful, or justifiable.

Example

"International observers were invited to monitor the election and verify the legitimacy of the final vote count."

2

The legal status of a child born to parents who are lawfully married to each other.

Example

"Under the historical inheritance laws of the kingdom, establishing the legitimacy of the heir was essential for royal succession."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for legitimacy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for legitimacy

• Rhymes for legitimacy

• Nearby Words

legislator
legislature
legit
legitimacy
legitimate
legitimately
legitimatize

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from 'legitimate' and the noun-forming suffix '-cy', ultimately deriving from Medieval Latin 'legitimatus', from Latin 'legitimus' ('lawful, appointed by law'), which is rooted in 'lex' (genitive 'legis', meaning 'law').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Legitimacy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/legitimacy
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.