1.NounThe quality or state of being legitimate or valid; validity.
Public acceptance of an institution, such as a government, corporation, or system.
"After decades of inequality and oppression, the regime had lost legitimacy with its own population.; The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 was seen by many as proof of capitalism’s legitimacy over communism.; Democracy’s legitimacy stems from the consent of the governed."
2.NounPublic acceptance of an institution, such as a government, corporation, or system.
"After decades of inequality and oppression, the regime had lost legitimacy with its own population.; The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 was seen by many as proof of capitalism’s legitimacy over communism.; Democracy’s legitimacy stems from the consent of the governed."
3.NounLawfulness of birth or origin; directness of descent as affecting the royal succession.