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 of criminality

• crime

Examples of criminality in a Sentence

a report on the drop in criminality in large urban centers

Recent Examples on the Web

Van Houten ultimately determined the allegations did not warrant charges because of a lack of criminality. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026

Law enforcement officials are investigating, but the NYPD said there is no criminality at this time. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026

The Madlanga Commission, a judicial inquiry set up after a senior police commander alleged last year that criminality and political interference had penetrated the justice system, has now sat for more than 180 days. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The shootings in South Africa are mostly connected to criminality, rather than ideological motive or personal grievance. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

criminal entry 1 + -ity, perhaps after French criminalité

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for criminality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality
• illegality

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