Word
felony
US/ˈfɛɫəni/
UK/fˈɛləni/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a very serious crime, such as murder or robbery. People who commit these crimes usually face at least one year in prison.
n. a category of serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death. Distinguished from less severe offenses, known as misdemeanors, in common law jurisdictions.
Examples
“Stealing a car is considered a felony in many places.”
“The defendant was charged with a felony after the police found evidence of large-scale fraud.”
“While a misdemeanor might result in a fine or short jail stay, a felony conviction often carries long-term consequences, including the loss of certain civil rights.”
Examples
simple
“Stealing a car is considered a felony in many places.”
contextual
“The defendant was charged with a felony after the police found evidence of large-scale fraud.”
complex
“While a misdemeanor might result in a fine or short jail stay, a felony conviction often carries long-term consequences, including the loss of certain civil rights.”
Usage
Commonly used with verbs like 'commit', 'charge with', or 'convict of'.
Real-World Examples
“Two draft laws would establish three new felonies under California state law, punishable by up to four years in prison.” “Noncitizen voting has been shown to be rare, and is a felony that can be punishable by deportation.” Etymology
From Middle English felony, felonie, from Old French felonie (“evil, immoral deed”), from felon (“evildoer”). Ultimately of Proto-Germanic origin. More at felon. By surface analysis, felon + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/felony