neutrality

plural neutralities

1. uncountableusuallyThe state or quality of being neutral; the condition of being unengaged in contests between others; state of taking no part on either side.

   The official pretence of a scrupulous solicitude to maintain neutrality is flagrantly insincere.

   1856 June 14, “England and America”, in The Saturday Review of Politics, Literature, Science, and Art, volume 2, number 33, London: John W. Parker and Son, page 141

   3 more examples

   And what happineſs is there in a ſtorm of paſſions? On this account the Scepticks affected an indifferent æquipondious neutrality as the only means to their Ataraxia, and freedom from paßionate diſturbances.

   1665, Joseph Glanvill, chapter XXVII, in Scepsis Scientifica: Or, Confest Ignorance, the Way to Science; in an Essay of the Vanity of Dogmatizing, and Confident Opinion with a Reply to the Exceptions of the Learned Thomas Albius, London: E. Cotes, page 168

   Men who possess a state of neutrality in times of public danger, desert the interest of their fellow subjects.

   1709, Joseph Addison, The Tatler

   Lizzo, who is known for messages of self-love and wider acceptance, has recently said as much as she shared that she is encouraging a stance of body neutrality for herself and others.

   2023 May 29, Madeline Holcombe, “Lizzo is teaching us about body neutrality. Here is what it means and how to get there”, in CNN

   Synonyms: indifferent, on the fence

2. obsoleteuncountableusuallyIndifference in quality; a state neither very good nor bad.

   There is no health; physicians say that we At best enjoy but a neutrality.

   1611, John Donne, An Anatomy of the World

3. uncountableusuallychemistryThe quality or state of being neutral.
4. uncountableusuallyinternational lawThe condition of a nation or government which refrains from taking part, directly or indirectly, in a war between other powers.

   70% vote against tightening centuries-old neutrality, which far right said was being eroded by sanctions against Russia[.]

   2026 September 27, Jennifer Rankin, “Swiss voters reject stricter neutrality rules that would have curbed Nato cooperation”, in The Guardian, →ISSN

5. uncountableusuallyThose who are neutral; a combination of neutral powers or states.