'mechanicality' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the adjective 'mechanical' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ity'.

'mechanical' came into English from Late Latin 'mechanicus' (from Greek 'mēkhanikos'), which derives from Greek 'mēkhanē' meaning 'device' or 'contrivance'; the suffix '-ity' comes from Latin '-itas' used to form abstract nouns. These combined in English to form 'mechanicality'.

Initially related specifically to machines or machinery ('pertaining to devices'), the sense broadened to include figurative meanings such as automatic, routine, or lacking spontaneity; 'mechanicality' now covers both literal machine-related qualities and metaphorical automatic/routine qualities.