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

Within months, his name became synonymous with the corruption and criminality that Washington said had penetrated the Venezuelan state. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026

The number of victims elsewhere killed in homicides in which criminality was determined to be an element in the death also fell noticeably, according to figures provided to and tallied by The Bee. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 15 Jan. 2026

At this time there is nothing to suggest any criminality with respect to their venture. —Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026

Police are investigating if any criminality was involved. —Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 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