formal 2K

Litigation

UK //ˌlɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən// US //ˌlɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən// Pronunciation

Definition

The process of taking a case to court to settle a dispute.

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In simple words: A process of taking legal action in court.

Examples

• The company faced litigation for breaching the contract.
• Her litigation against the corporation lasted for three years.
• The law firm specializes in complex litigation matters.
• Many businesses avoid litigation to save on costs.
• Litigation can be a lengthy process before a resolution is achieved.

Usage notes

Used in legal contexts; avoid in casual conversations. More common in professional and academic settings.

Grammar pattern

litigation + object (e.g. litigation cases)

Memory hint

Think of 'lit' (light) as shining a light on legal issues in court.

Collocations

• file litigation
• commercial litigation
• litigation costs
• litigation process
• litigation attorney

Synonyms

• lawsuit
• legal action
• court case
• trial
• proceedings

Common mistakes

• Confusing litigation with 'arbitration', which is a different legal process.
• Using litigation as a verb; it is a noun.
• Using litigation in informal conversations.