C1nounformalpoliticslaw
US/ləˈdʒɪt.ə.mə.si/
UK/ləˈdʒɪt.ɪ.mə.si/
the quality of being lawful, fair or accepted as right by most people
In context
Many voters questioned the legitimacy of the election results.
The new law gave the government legitimacy in the eyes of the public.
The study gave scientific legitimacy to what was once seen as folk medicine.
Words that go with legitimacy
adjective + noun
- political legitimacyThe party lost its political legitimacy after the scandal.
verb + noun
- gain legitimacyThe movement gained legitimacy after the vote.
- challenge the legitimacy ofLawyers challenged the legitimacy of the contract.
- lack legitimacyThe court was said to lack legitimacy.
- lose legitimacyA leader can lose legitimacy very quickly.
- question the legitimacy ofCritics questioned the legitimacy of the new rules.
noun + preposition
- legitimacy ofThe legitimacy of the claim is unclear.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
the legitimate of the lawCorrect: the legitimacy of the law