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noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

fatality

fuh-TA-luh-tih

Fatality (noun) means a death caused by an accident, disaster, or violence. Example: “The storm caused widespread damage but no fatalities.”

noun
1
A death caused by an accident, disaster, or violence.
"The storm caused widespread damage but no fatalities."
"Police reported three fatalities in the motorway pile-up."
2
(video games) A finishing move used to dramatically defeat an opponent.
"He pulled off a brutal fatality to end the Mortal Kombat match."

How to use fatality

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA death resulting from an accident or disaster, or a finishing move in a fighting game.

Common pairings
road fatality the fatality count zero fatalities

Word forms

fatalities plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He pulled off a brutal _____ to end the Mortal Kombat match.

Etymology

From French fatalité, built from "fatal" plus "-ity"; the video-game sense comes from the Mortal Kombat series.

Origin: French

human death

Rhymes for fatality

See all rhymes for fatality →

Frequently asked questions

What does “fatality” mean?

The word “fatality” means a death caused by an accident, disaster, or violence. In plain terms, a death resulting from an accident or disaster, or a finishing move in a fighting game.

How do you pronounce “fatality”?

“Fatality” is pronounced fuh-TA-luh-tih (/feɪˈtælɪti/ in IPA).

How do you use “fatality” in a sentence?

Here is “fatality” used in a sentence: “He pulled off a brutal fatality to end the Mortal Kombat match.”

What part of speech is “fatality”?

“Fatality” is a noun.

Where does the word “fatality” come from?

The word “fatality” comes from French. From French fatalité, built from "fatal" plus "-ity"; the video-game sense comes from the Mortal Kombat series.

Is “fatality” a common word?

“Fatality” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “fatality” have?

“Fatality” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a death caused by an accident, disaster, or violence.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial