# legitimacy

/ɫəˈdʒɪtəməsi/ (US) · /lədʒˈɪtɪməsi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/legitimacy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. validity or fairness

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the quality of being reasonable, fair, or acceptable to people.

For teachers: the quality of being justifiable or acceptable according to social standards or logic.

- The public questioned the legitimacy of the new law because it seemed unfair.
- The administration struggled to maintain its legitimacy after several high-profile scandals eroded the public's trust in the democratic process.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of'.

### 2. legal status

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the state of being legal or following the law.

For teachers: the state of being lawful or conforming to established legal rules.

- The court had to decide on the legitimacy of the contract signed last year.
- Legal scholars debated the legitimacy of the tribunal, arguing that it lacked the necessary international mandate to prosecute the defendants.

### 3. birth or succession

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

the legal status of being born to parents who are married, especially regarding royal titles.

For teachers: the status of being born in wedlock or having a valid claim to a title through direct descent.

- The prince had to prove his legitimacy to claim the throne after the king died.
- The succession crisis was fueled by rumors regarding the legitimacy of the heir, leading to a prolonged civil war between rival factions.

## Examples

- The public questioned the legitimacy of the recent election results.
- The new government struggled to establish its legitimacy after taking power during a period of civil unrest.
- Scholars argue that the legitimacy of international law depends less on formal treaties and more on the consistent, voluntary compliance of sovereign states over time.

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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.