Lawsuit
UK /["/ˈlɔːsuːt/"]/US /["/ˈlɔːsuːt/"]/
Definition
a claim or complaint against somebody that a person or an organization can make in court
In simple words: A legal case someone brings to court.
Examples
- The company faced a lawsuit for violating environmental regulations.
- After the accident, she filed a lawsuit against the negligent driver.
- The lawsuit was dismissed due to lack of sufficient evidence.
- Several customers joined a class-action lawsuit over defective products.
- The lawyer explained the legal procedures involved in a lawsuit.
Usage notes
Used in formal contexts, particularly in legal discussions. Not appropriate in casual conversations. Common in news articles about legal matters.
Grammar pattern
lawsuit + against + object
Memory hint
Think of 'law' + 'suit'—imagine wearing a suit to court.
Collocations
- file a lawsuit
- settle a lawsuit
- win a lawsuit
- lose a lawsuit
- lawsuit against
Synonyms
- litigation
- case
- legal action
- proceeding
- complaint
Antonyms
- settlement
- agreement
- compromise
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'suit' meaning clothing.
- Used in informal contexts, which sounds awkward.
- Misused 'lawsuit' as a verb.