mitigating

[ mit-i-gey-ting ]

adjective

1. lessening the force, intensity, or severity of something, as punishment, danger, pain, anger, etc. (sometimes used in combination):

   The defense made only brief mention of his intellectual disability and the beatings he suffered—mitigating circumstances that could have changed the trial’s outcome.

   As a responsible bank, we take various risk-mitigating measures to protect the interests of our customers.

noun

1. the act or fact of lessening the force, severity, etc., of something:

   Seven organizations have agreed to contribute microsatellites dedicated to the monitoring and mitigating of man-made and natural disasters.

Other Words From

• non·mit·i·ga·tive, non·mit·i·ga·to·ry adjective
• un·mit·i·ga·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mitigating¹

First recorded in 1565–75; mitigat(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective; mitigat(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun

Example Sentences

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the proposed laws, to be tabled in parliament next week, were aimed at mitigating the "harm" social media was inflicting on Australian children.

From BBC

He said the teenager had had an "unconscionable" childhood with years of abuse, which was a "significant" mitigating factor, but it did not excuse his actions.

From BBC

Michael Cranmer-Brown, mitigating, said Wood had "severe mental health anxieties" and "thought he was never going to get out".

From BBC

These are the mitigating circumstances, but for Arteta and his players in the ruthless business at the top of the Premier League, the league table now bears a worrying look.

From BBC

What are your tips on mitigating food waste?

From Salon

Related Words

• encouraging
• reassuring
• refreshing
• soothing