noun
Common
litigation
lih-tih-GAY-shuhn
Litigation (noun) means the process of taking or defending a legal case in court. Example: “Litigation can take years and cost far more than people expect.”
noun
1
The process of taking or defending a legal case in court.
"Litigation can take years and cost far more than people expect."
"The company tried to avoid litigation by offering a fair settlement."
"The two companies settled just before the litigation went to trial."
How to use litigation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe business of fighting a case out in court.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
ongoing litigation
avoid litigation
litigation costs
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Word forms
- Plural
- litigations
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_____ can take years and cost far more than people expect.
Etymology
From Latin litigatio, from litigare ("to dispute, go to law").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for litigation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for litigation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “litigation” mean?
The word “litigation” means the process of taking or defending a legal case in court. In plain terms, the business of fighting a case out in court.
How do you pronounce “litigation”?
“Litigation” is pronounced lih-tih-GAY-shuhn (/ˌlɪtɪˈɡeɪ̯ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “litigation” in a sentence?
Here is “litigation” used in a sentence: “The two companies settled just before the litigation went to trial.”
What part of speech is “litigation”?
“Litigation” is a noun.
Where does the word “litigation” come from?
The word “litigation” comes from Latin. From Latin litigatio, from litigare ("to dispute, go to law").
Is “litigation” a common word?
“Litigation” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between litigation and a lawsuit?
A lawsuit is a single legal claim brought by one party against another, while litigation is the whole process of pursuing or defending such a case in court. Litigation covers everything from filing and evidence to hearings and appeals; a lawsuit is the dispute at the centre of it.
What is the difference between litigation and arbitration?
Litigation resolves a dispute through the public court system, decided by a judge or jury. Arbitration is a private alternative in which an appointed arbitrator hears the case and makes a decision outside court. Litigation is generally more formal and part of the public record.
What is the difference between litigation and mediation?
In litigation, a judge imposes a binding decision after a formal court process. In mediation, a neutral third party helps the sides reach their own voluntary agreement and cannot force an outcome. Litigation is adversarial, while mediation is cooperative.
What words commonly go with "litigation"?
"Litigation" often appears in phrases such as civil litigation, commercial litigation, and litigation costs. A person involved in a case is a party to the litigation, and a lawyer who handles such cases is called a litigator.
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