lethality

American  

[lee-thal-i-tee] / liˈθæl ɪ ti /

Also lethalness

noun

1. the capacity to cause great harm, destruction, or death.

   Many pathogens are self-limited by their own lethality—the host dies before it has a chance to spread the pathogen.

2. the likelihood of causing great harm, destruction, or death.

   Mutations can increase or decrease lethality, but most viruses mutate to less lethal forms.

3. death.

   Prion diseases, such as so-called “mad cow,” are characterized by neurodegeneration and lethality.

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Etymology

Origin of lethality

lethal ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

Russian and Chinese parts, including everything from warheads to electronics, remain key to the supply chain, enabling drone operation and lethality.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

Earlier research has shown that the pain caused by stinging insects does not always match the lethality of their venom.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

“The ability to be able to operate safely and effectively at a high level of lethality is something we’ve just been doing for a long time, and China’s learning how to do,” Mietus said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

The government's defence review said AI technologies "would provide greater accuracy, lethality, and cheaper capabilities".

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2025

Although, by then, technological advances to conventional military capabilities seemed to be approaching the destructive power, or more precisely, the system lethality of nuclear weapons.

From Shock and Awe — Achieving Rapid Dominance by Wade, James P.