legitimacy

Definitions

The quality or state of being in accordance with established rules, principles, or standards.

The condition of being valid, justifiable, or lawful.

The state of being born to parents who are legally married to each other.

Examples

The government struggled to maintain its legitimacy after the controversial election results were announced.

She questioned the legitimacy of the documents provided by the company during the audit.

Synonyms

validity lawfulness legality authenticity justification rightfulness genuineness

Antonyms

illegality invalidity illegitimacy unlawfulness fraudulence spuriousness falsity