extenuating

[ ik-sten-yoo-ey-ting ]

adjective

1. serving to make a fault, offense, etc., appear less serious:

   The judge gave him a comparatively mild sentence due to extenuating circumstances.

Other Words From

• ex·tenu·ating·ly adverb
• nonex·tenu·ating adjective
• nonex·tenu·ating·ly adverb
• unex·tenu·ating adjective
• unex·tenu·ating·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of extenuating¹

First recorded in 1600–10; extenuat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

He added that there were “extenuating circumstances” that he believed could factor into the case, but provided no details.

From Los Angeles Times

Kasten said the Dodgers and other teams try to accommodate fans with extenuating circumstances.

From Los Angeles Times

Additional time will be granted on a showing of “extenuating circumstances, including significant efforts to resettle,” the settlement reads.

From Seattle Times

Being drunk can be considered an extenuating factor by a court and lead to a shorter prison sentence.

From Seattle Times

And after his indictment, he reportedly has alleged that he was drunk as an extenuating circumstance.

From Seattle Times