originality
Americannoun
-
the quality or state of being original.
- Synonyms:
- ingenuity, inventiveness, creativeness, cleverness
-
ability to think or express oneself in an independent and individual manner; creative ability.
-
freshness or novelty, as of an idea, method, or performance.
- Synonyms:
- creativeness, cleverness, ingenuity, inventiveness
noun
-
the quality or condition of being original
-
the ability to create or innovate
-
something original
Other Word Forms
- unoriginality noun
Etymology
Origin of originality
From the French word originalité, dating back to 1735–45. See original, -ity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This time, we’re seeing the actor’s answer to “The Studio,” only instead of satirizing the industry’s artistically cheapening franchise obsession, it warns of the full extinction of originality by way of ChatGPT.
From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026
But it’s also an organic experience, teeming with originality, despite its familiar marketing as an “immersive experience.”
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026
Townsend said: "Her honesty, humour and originality resonate deeply with audiences, and we're delighted to welcome her to the Eden Sessions this summer."
From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026
In slopestyle, athletes navigate a course with a variety of obstacles, including rails and various jumps, and are judged on the breadth, originality, and quality of their stunts.
From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026
No doubt she will be too overcome to respond to the originality of my project.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
