extenuating circumstance

noun

, Law.

1. Usually extenuating circumstances. a circumstance that renders conduct less serious and thereby serves to reduce the damages to be awarded or the punishment to be imposed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extenuating circumstance¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times

No matter the situation, the season, the holiday, the extenuating circumstance — there was always tuna.

From Salon

A 29-year-old Maryland man who federal prosecutors said was one of the first rioters to enter the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was sentenced Wednesday to five years of probation by a federal judge who cited the man’s autism as an extenuating circumstance.

From New York Times

“There must be some extenuating circumstance that they felt the urgency to arrest him then instead of waiting, if there was some risk factor, an escape risk or something like that,” Hahn said.

From Seattle Times

Greater ability to choose to take a pass/no pass or an excused withdrawal, which is recorded on a transcript as a dropped class due to an extenuating circumstance, is generally viewed as a helpful tool, advocates say.

From Los Angeles Times