litigation

[lit-i-gey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of litigating.

   a matter that is still in litigation.

2. a lawsuit.

litigation

/ ˌlɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of bringing or contesting a legal action in court

2. a judicial proceeding or contest

Other Word Forms

• nonlitigation noun
• prelitigation noun
• relitigation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of litigation¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Late Latin lītigātiōn-, stem of lītigātiō “a dispute”; equivalent to litigate + -ion

Example Sentences

The length of the litigation means that no student of high school age when the pandemic began will be able to benefit.

From Los Angeles Times

The city attorney’s office said litigation with other defendants is pending.

From Los Angeles Times

Supreme Court declined to stop her dismissal as part of ongoing litigation.

From Los Angeles Times

Many employees were reinstated, but litigation concerning the legality of the firings winds on.

From Los Angeles Times

In Missouri, Democrats warn the special session could produce yet another map skewed toward Republicans, setting up another round of litigation before voters even head to the polls.

From Salon

Related Words

• action 
• case 
• dispute 
• lawsuit 
• process 
• prosecution 
• suit 
• trial 

When To Use

What does litigation mean?

Litigation is the process of engaging in a legal proceeding, such as a lawsuit.The word litigation can also mean a lawsuit.To be in litigation typically means to be engaged in a civil legal proceeding (as opposed to a criminal one, in which one is said to be on trial). The verb litigate means engage in a legal proceeding. It can mean to bring a lawsuit or to contest one. A litigator is a lawyer, especially one who specializes in civil cases. A litigant is a person engaged in a lawsuit.Example: Their goal is to avoid litigation, so they’re going to try to get you to settle out of court.