'ethicality' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ēthikos', where 'ēthos' meant 'custom, character', and from Latin/Old French formations; the English suffix '-ity' comes from Latin '-itas' indicating a quality or state.

'ethicality' changed from Greek 'ēthikos' to Latin 'ethicus' and Old French 'ethique', which entered Middle English as 'ethical'; the modern noun 'ethicality' was formed by adding the Latin-derived suffix '-ity' to English 'ethical'.

Initially related to 'character' or 'custom' (from Greek 'ēthos'), the sense evolved to refer specifically to 'matters of moral principle' and later to the abstract noun meaning 'the quality of being ethical'.