5K

Mitigation

UK //ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən//US //ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən//

Definition

The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something.

In simple words: Reducing the impact of something harmful.

Examples

  • The mitigation of climate change effects is crucial for our future.
  • Governments are implementing mitigation strategies to combat pollution.
  • Effective disaster mitigation can save many lives during emergencies.
  • The company focused on risk mitigation measures to protect its assets.
  • Mitigation plans must account for various environmental factors.

Usage notes

Commonly used in environmental, legal, and risk management contexts. Generally appropriate in formal and academic writing, but less common in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

mitigation + of object

Memory hint

Think of 'mitigate' as 'mini-gate’ that protects against big problems.

Collocations

  • climate change mitigation
  • disaster mitigation
  • risk mitigation
  • impact mitigation
  • mitigation measures

Synonyms

  • reduction
  • lessening
  • minimization
  • alleviation
  • abatement

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'mitigation' with 'mediation'; mediation involves resolving disputes.
  • Using 'mitigation' in informal contexts where simpler words like 'reduce' are preferred.
  • Incorrectly using 'mitigation' as a verb; it is a noun.