What does neutrality mean?
Neutrality is the condition of being impartial, especially in relation to politics, law, journalism, or conflict. It means refusing to support one side merely because of allegiance, preference, or pressure, while still allowing relevant facts and arguments to be considered. The term is especially important in discussions of judges, public institutions, broadcasters, political parties, and governments. In international law, neutrality has a more precise meaning: it describes the status of a state that does not directly participate in a war between other states, although neutral states may still take defensive or humanitarian action. The word carries a generally positive connotation of fairness and independence, although in some political debates it can suggest excessive distance from moral responsibility or a willingness to avoid difficult judgment. Understanding neutrality therefore involves distinguishing impartiality from passivity and recognizing that neutrality can be a legal status as well as an ethical or practical stance.
nounThe state of being impartial or not supporting either side in a dispute, political issue, or conflict. In international law, it also refers to the status of a state that does not participate directly in a war between other states.
- Impartiality or lack of allegiance to one side in a political, legal, or social dispute.
- The official status of a state that does not participate directly in a war between other states.
- A state in which competing sides, interests, or forces are balanced without one dominating.
"The judge maintained strict neutrality throughout the highly partisan case."
"The broadcaster was criticized for abandoning neutrality in its coverage of the election."
"Switzerland's armed neutrality allows it to maintain a military force without taking part in conflicts between other states."
The plural is grammatically standard but uncommon; singular “neutrality” is normally preferred.
"The scholar discussed the different legal neutralities recognized by the treaty."
In international law, neutrality means taking no direct part in someone else’s war—even when neutrality is anything but passive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does neutrality come from?
The word derives from the Latin neuter, meaning “neither” or “of neither kind,” through the French neutre and the English adjective neutral. The suffix -ity forms the abstract noun from neutral, expressing the state or condition of being impartial. Related English forms include neuter, neutrally, and neutralize, while neutrino also reflects the Latin root through the language of modern physics.
Related word forms
How neutrality is actually used
The word is most common in political, legal, journalistic, and international-relations contexts. It can imply deliberate impartiality, but in discussions of international law it has a more specific legal meaning.
Easily confused with neutrality
Neutral describes a person, position, or stance that is not partisan, while neutrality names the condition or policy of remaining neutral.