mitigation
The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something negative. It is frequently used in technical contexts to describe lessening the impact of risks, environmental damage, or legal penalties.
Examples
3 of 5The town council installed new drainage systems as a flood mitigation measure.
The local government put in new pipes to reduce the impact of potential flooding.
The defense attorney presented several factors in mitigation of the defendant's actions.
The lawyer showed reasons why the person's actions should be judged less harshly.
Taking an aspirin was a quick mitigation for her growing headache.
She took a pill to make her headache feel less severe.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Mighty Gate' blocking a flood. The gate 'mitigates' the water, making the flood much less severe.
Quick Quiz
The company's primary focus was the _______ of financial risks during the economic downturn.
Correct!
The correct answer is: mitigation
Examples
The town council installed new drainage systems as a flood mitigation measure.
everydayThe local government put in new pipes to reduce the impact of potential flooding.
The defense attorney presented several factors in mitigation of the defendant's actions.
formalThe lawyer showed reasons why the person's actions should be judged less harshly.
Taking an aspirin was a quick mitigation for her growing headache.
informalShe took a pill to make her headache feel less severe.
Scholars argue that carbon sequestration is essential for climate change mitigation.
academicResearchers say capturing carbon is necessary to reduce the effects of global warming.
The company developed a comprehensive risk mitigation plan before launching the new product.
businessThe business made a plan to lower potential dangers before starting their new project.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
mitigating circumstances
facts that provide an explanation for a mistake to make it seem less bad
impact mitigation
the process of reducing the effect of an event
disaster mitigation
strategies to minimize the damage caused by natural disasters
Often Confused With
Mediation involves a person helping two parties resolve a dispute, while mitigation is the act of making a problem less severe.
Litigation refers to the process of taking legal action in court, whereas mitigation refers to reducing a penalty or harm.
Usage Notes
Mitigation is a formal term most commonly found in legal, environmental, and corporate risk management contexts. It is almost always followed by the preposition 'of' and the negative thing being reduced.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'litigation' due to the similar sound. Additionally, avoid using it as a verb; the verb form is 'mitigate'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Mighty Gate' blocking a flood. The gate 'mitigates' the water, making the flood much less severe.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'mitigatio', from 'mitigare', which means to make mild or soft (mitis 'gentle' + agere 'to do').
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the 21st century, the word is most culturally prominent in discussions about 'Climate Change Mitigation', referring to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Quick Quiz
The company's primary focus was the _______ of financial risks during the economic downturn.
Correct!
The correct answer is: mitigation
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
majority
C1The greater number or part of a whole, specifically more than half of a total amount or group. It is often used in political or statistical contexts to describe a group that holds the most power or influence.
method
C1A systematic, logical, and established procedure for accomplishing a task or conducting research. It implies a structured series of steps designed to achieve a specific result or to gain knowledge in a disciplined manner.
occurrence
C1An occurrence refers to an instance or event where something happens or exists. In a broader sense, it can also describe the frequency or prevalence of a particular phenomenon within a specific context or dataset.
percent
C1A mathematical term representing a ratio or proportion out of one hundred. It is used extensively to describe changes, statistics, and probabilities in academic and professional contexts.
percentage
C2A percentage is a rate, number, or amount in each hundred, used to express a proportion or ratio relative to a whole. In academic contexts, it specifically refers to the quantitative measurement of a subset compared to the total population or data set.
periodic
C2In an academic or library context, a periodic refers to a publication that is issued at regular intervals, such as a scholarly journal, magazine, or newsletter. It is characterized by its recurring nature and is often archived in series to track the development of research or news over time.
principle
B2A principle is a fundamental truth, law, or rule that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. It can also refer to a personal code of conduct that guides how an individual chooses to act in various situations.
requirement
C1A thing that is needed or wanted; a condition that must be met in order to achieve a specific goal or comply with a rule. In formal and academic settings, it often refers to a compulsory qualification or a mandatory standard of performance.
respond
B2To say or write something as a reply to a question, statement, or letter, or to react to something by taking action. In academic contexts, it often refers to how an organism, system, or person reacts to a specific stimulus or event.
responsive
C1Characterized by reacting quickly and positively to suggestions, influences, or stimuli. In technical and academic contexts, it describes a system or organism that adapts efficiently to changing conditions or feedback.
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