fatality
UK: fəˈtæləti | US: fəˈtæləti
n. 1. A death resulting from an accident, disaster, or other tragic event.
n. 2. The quality or state of being destined to fail or cause ruin.
n. 3. (Archaic) The condition of being subject to fate or inevitability.
The word "fatality" originates from the Latin fatalitas, derived from fatum (meaning "fate" or "destiny"). The root "fatal" (from Latin fatalis) carries the sense of inevitability or lethality, while the suffix "-ity" transforms it into a noun denoting a state or condition. Over time, "fatality" narrowed in meaning to specifically emphasize death caused by external forces, reflecting its modern usage in contexts like accidents or disasters.
The car crash resulted in one fatality and several injuries.
The hurricane's fatality count rose as rescue efforts continued.
Ancient myths often depict fatality as an unchangeable decree of the gods.
The doctor noted the high fatality rate of the disease in untreated cases.
Safety measures were implemented to reduce workplace fatalities.