# criminality

/ˌkɹɪməˈnæɫɪti/ (US) · /kɹˌɪmɪnˈælɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/criminality
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the quality of being a criminal or the act of doing something illegal. It describes the state of being against the law.

For teachers: the state or quality of being a criminal; the commission of a crime or illegal act. Often used in legal or sociological contexts to describe systemic behavior.

## Examples

- The government is trying to reduce criminality in the city.
- Sociologists study the factors that contribute to criminality, such as poverty and lack of education.
- The report highlights a significant correlation between rising levels of urban poverty and the increased criminality observed in the district over the last decade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.