Legitimacy: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when talking about the rightful status or acceptance of something, often related to authority or governance.

• The legitimacy of the new government was questioned after the controversial election.
• The legitimacy of his rule was reinforced by popular support.

Use when referring to the soundness or strength of an argument, claim, or document, often in logical, scientific, or official contexts.

• The validity of the study's results was confirmed by peer review.
• He challenged the validity of the test scores.

Use when referring to something being genuine or real, often related to objects, documents, or personal identity.

• The museum verified the authenticity of the ancient artifact.
• Her authenticity as a leader resonated with her followers.

Use when discussing whether something complies with the law, often in legal or official contexts.

• The legality of the contract was upheld by the court.
• Questions were raised about the legality of the new policy.

To describe something that is lawful, recognized by authority, or valid. Often used in legal, political, or formal contexts.

• The legitimacy of the election was confirmed by international observers
• The legitimacy of his claim to the throne was unquestionable

To describe something or someone that is believable or trustworthy, often used in the context of information, sources, or individuals to emphasize their trustworthiness.

• The journalist's credibility was damaged after the false report
• Experts questioned the credibility of the new research findings

To describe a person or entity worthy of trust and confidence, often emphasizing moral integrity and dependability in personal or professional relationships.

• Her trustworthiness makes her an excellent candidate for the position
• The company's trustworthiness was evident in their transparent dealings

To describe something or someone that consistently performs well or produces dependable results, frequently used in the context of machines, systems, or people's performance.

• The reliability of the new software is essential for our business
• The car is famous for its reliability and durability

Use 'legitimacy' similar to 'legitimacy', when something is in accordance with the law or accepted standards. It emphasizes formal recognition.

• The legitimacy of the king's rule was supported by the law.
• Questions arose regarding the legitimacy of the election results.

Use 'justifiability' to describe something that can be shown to be reasonable or acceptable based on evidence or reasoning. Typically used in ethical, legal, or argumentative contexts.

• The justifiability of the decision to cut jobs was hotly debated.
• We need to evaluate the justifiability of our actions.

Use 'reasonableness' to describe something that is fair, sensible, and within the bounds of common sense. It's often used in everyday situations or in negotiations.

• The reasonableness of his demands made the deal possible.
• She doubted the reasonableness of the proposed schedule.

Use 'validity' when referring to the soundness or strength of an argument, reason, or legal document. It's common in legal, academic, and formal discussions.

• The validity of the contract was confirmed by the lawyer.
• Researchers questioned the validity of the experiment results.