Is “Genuinity” a Word? (What to Say Instead)

The noun form of “genuine” is not a massively familiar term, and some people think it is “genuinity.” This page explains whether “genuinity” is correct and shows alternative words that mean the same.

Is “Genuinity” a Word?

The word “genuinity” is not a real word and is not found in any major dictionary such as Merriam-Webster or Oxford. The correct noun form and what to say instead of “genuinity” is “genuineness”, which means “the quality of being honest or sincere.”

Merriam-Webster states the noun form of “genuine” is “genuineness”, and there is no entry for “genuinity.”

However, another word for “genuinity” is “genuineness”, which is in dictionaries as a noun related to the quality of sincerity and honesty.

Here are some examples of “genuineness” in a sentence:

• The lack of genuineness in his speech meant that the audience quickly lost their patience.
• The genuineness of the paintings has been called into question by art critics.

What to say Instead of “Genuinity”

Other ways to say “genuinity” are “genuineness”, “authenticity”, “truthfulness”, and “legitimacy.” These words are all related to how “genuine” or “truthful” something is, and they are better alternatives to the word “genuinity”, which is not a valid word.

1. Genuineness

The word “genuineness” is listed in the Cambridge Dictionary as the quality of being honest and sincere. However, it is not a massively common term, and there are alternatives such as “authenticity”, “legitimacy”, or “truthfulness”, which are more common.

Here are some examples of “genuineness” in a sentence:

• The genuineness of the text was not in question after experts had analyzed it.
• His character lacked the genuineness required to make people like him. 

2. Authenticity

The word “authenticity” can be used instead of “genuinity”, which is not a real word. The word “authenticity” is a direct synonym of “genuineness” and relates to the quality of being true or real.

Here are some examples of “authenticity” in a sentence:

• Students search for authenticity in their teachers and form bonds easier when they are genuine.
• Consumers have questioned the authenticity of the products after a series of faults.

3. Legitimacy

The Cambridge Dictionary states that “legitimacy” is the quality of being legal, fair, or honest. It is a commonly used word and is a direct synonym of “genuineness”, the noun form of “genuine.”

Here are some examples of “legitimacy” in a sentence:

• The HR department has questioned the legitimacy of his credentials.
• The legitimacy of the regime is in ruins after international condemnation.

4. Truthfulness

The Cambridge Dictionary states that “truthfulness” is the quality of being honest and not saying or telling lies. It is often used to refer to speech and people and how “truthful” their words are.

Here are some examples of “truthfulness” in a sentence:

• The truthfulness of his excuse is in doubt, considering he has lied before.
• The police questioned the truthfulness of his claims.

Conclusion

The word “genuinity” is not a real word and should not be used under any circumstances. Instead of “genuinity” as a noun form of “genuine”, you should use an alternative synonym such as “genuineness”, authenticity”, “legitimacy”, or “truthfulness”, which are more common and are all found in dictionaries.