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Mitigation: meaning, definitions and examples

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mitigation

 

[ ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

risk management

Mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce the severity, impact, or risk of an undesirable event. It involves identifying potential risks, implementing measures to lessen their effects, and planning for contingencies.

Synonyms

alleviation, diminution, reduction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mitigation

Mitigation is often used when talking about decreasing the severity or seriousness of something, especially in legal, environmental, or risk management contexts.

  • The new policies focus on the mitigation of climate change
  • The lawyer argued for mitigation of the sentence
alleviation

Alleviation is mainly used in contexts involving the relief of pain, suffering, or difficult conditions. It suggests making something more bearable.

  • The medication provided significant alleviation of her symptoms
  • They worked towards the alleviation of poverty in the community
reduction

Reduction is a general term used to describe the action of making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. It is commonly used in everyday language and various contexts.

  • There was a reduction in the workforce due to budget cuts
  • The doctor recommended a reduction in sugar intake
diminution

Diminution refers to a reduction in size, extent, or importance of something. It is often used in formal or academic language.

  • There has been a noticeable diminution in the number of reported cases
  • The diminution of resources is a growing concern

Examples of usage

  • Mitigation strategies may include implementing safety protocols to prevent accidents.
  • In the face of a natural disaster, mitigation efforts focus on reducing damage and loss of life.
Context #2 | Noun

environmental protection

In the context of environmental protection, mitigation refers to efforts to minimize or offset the negative impacts of human activities on the environment. This can include restoring ecosystems, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable practices.

Synonyms

conservation, preservation, safeguarding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mitigation

Best used when referring to actions taken to reduce the severity, seriousness, or harmful effects of a situation.

  • The government has implemented several policies for the mitigation of climate change.
  • Effective mitigation strategies can help minimize the damage caused by natural disasters.
conservation

Used in contexts related to protecting, maintaining, or restoring natural environments, resources, or wildlife.

  • Conservation efforts are crucial to protect endangered species.
  • Forest conservation plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity.
preservation

Applicable in scenarios where the aim is to maintain something in its original state or prevent it from being damaged or decayed.

  • Historic building preservation helps maintain cultural heritage.
  • The organization is dedicated to the preservation of ancient manuscripts.
safeguarding

Usually refers to actions taken to protect someone or something from harm or danger. It often includes a proactive approach to ensuring safety.

  • The new policies are focused on safeguarding public health.
  • It's important to implement proper measures for safeguarding children in schools.

Examples of usage

  • Mitigation measures include reforestation projects to offset carbon emissions.
  • The company implemented mitigation strategies to reduce its environmental footprint.
Context #3 | Noun

legal

In legal terms, mitigation can refer to actions taken to lessen the severity of a punishment or sentence. This may involve providing evidence of mitigating circumstances that warrant a more lenient judgment.

Synonyms

extenuation, mitigating circumstances.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mitigation

Common in formal contexts such as legal, environmental, and medical discussions. It refers to reducing the severity or seriousness of something.

  • The company implemented new safety measures for the mitigation of risks
extenuation

Typically used in legal or formal settings, it focuses on presenting something as less severe, often to excuse or lessen perceived guilt.

  • In his defense, the lawyer spoke of the extenuation of his client's actions due to extreme stress
mitigating circumstances

Used mostly in legal contexts to describe specific facts or situations that reduce the blame or punishment for a person's actions.

  • The judge considered the mitigating circumstances, such as the defendant's lack of prior offenses, before sentencing

Examples of usage

  • The defense attorney presented evidence of the defendant's difficult upbringing as mitigation.

Translations

Translations of the word "mitigation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mitigação

🇮🇳 शमन

🇩🇪 Minderung

🇮🇩 mitigasi

🇺🇦 пом'якшення

🇵🇱 łagodzenie

🇯🇵 緩和 (かんわ)

🇫🇷 atténuation

🇪🇸 mitigación

🇹🇷 hafifletme

🇰🇷 완화

🇸🇦 تخفيف

🇨🇿 zmírnění

🇸🇰 zmiernenie

🇨🇳 缓解 (huǎnjiě)

🇸🇮 blažitev

🇮🇸 mildun

🇰🇿 жеңілдету

🇬🇪 შერბილება

🇦🇿 yüngülləşdirmə

🇲🇽 mitigación

Etymology

The word 'mitigation' has its roots in Latin, deriving from the verb 'mitigare,' meaning 'to soften' or 'to alleviate.' Over time, the term evolved to encompass various fields, including risk management, environmental protection, and legal contexts. The concept of mitigation has become crucial in addressing and minimizing adverse impacts in different aspects of human life.

See also: mitigate, mitigator, unmitigated.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,438 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.