noun

abatement

uh-BAYT-muhnt

Abatement (noun) means a reduction in the amount, degree or intensity of something, especially something unwanted such as noise, pollution or tax. Example: “The council ordered noise abatement measures after complaints from neighbours.”

noun

A reduction in the amount, degree or intensity of something, especially something unwanted such as noise, pollution or tax.

"The council ordered noise abatement measures after complaints from neighbours."

"Homeowners over 65 qualify for a small tax abatement."

The legally required removal or containment of a hazard from a building or site.

"Asbestos abatement added three months to the renovation schedule."

legal The act of formally ending or suspending a legal action or nuisance.

"The suit went into abatement when the defendant died."

How to Use Abatement

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMaking something bad smaller, or getting rid of it.

When to use it

Formal. Common in law, tax, property and environmental contexts rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember it as 'a beat-ment' — beating something down. It nearly always applies to something people want less of.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

abatement / abetment abatement / rebate

Common pairings

noise abatement tax abatement asbestos abatement abatement notice abatement of a nuisance

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The council ordered noise _____ measures after complaints from neighbours.

Etymology

From Old French abatre 'to beat down, put an end to', from Latin ad- 'to' + battuere 'to beat'.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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reduction decrease lessening easing mitigation removal remediation

Antonyms

increase intensification

Related Words

higher fall lower increase add addition build contract

Rhymes for abatement

cement element clement movement pavement tenement inclement amusement statement agreement excrement amazement

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between abatement and reduction?

Reduction is the general word for making something smaller in any context. Abatement is narrower and more formal: it usually describes cutting back something undesirable, such as noise, pollution or a tax bill, and it often carries a legal or official sense.

What does tax abatement mean?

A tax abatement is an official reduction or cancellation of tax owed, usually granted for a fixed period. Cities often offer them to encourage building work or to attract businesses to an area.

Is asbestos abatement the same as asbestos removal?

Not quite. Removal is one form of abatement, but abatement also covers sealing or enclosing asbestos so that fibres cannot escape. Any method that stops the hazard counts as abatement.

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