litigation
What does "litigation" mean?
Litigation refers to the process of taking legal action or resolving disputes within the court system. Imagine a formal battlefield where, instead of weapons, parties present evidence, arguments, and testimonies before a judge or jury to reach a binding legal resolution. It is a highly formal term typically reserved for legal or professional settings. You will rarely hear it in casual conversation; instead, people usually say "taking someone to court" or "suing." It is frequently used in collocations like "complex litigation," "litigation costs," or "threaten litigation."
"litigation" in conversation
Discussing a business problem
Our supplier is refusing to honor the contract terms.
Our supplier is refusing to honor the contract terms.
That's a mess. Should we consider litigation?
That's a mess. Should we consider litigation?
I’d rather settle privately; litigation is too expensive.
I’d rather settle privately; litigation is too expensive.
Shows the contrast between private settlement and the high cost of legal action.
At a law firm
We need to prepare for the upcoming litigation.
We need to prepare for the upcoming litigation.
I have organized all the discovery documents.
I have organized all the discovery documents.
Demonstrates the professional, technical use of the term in a legal workplace.
"litigation" in a sentence
The company is facing litigation over safety concerns.
The company is facing litigation over safety concerns.
They managed to avoid protracted litigation by reaching a settlement out of court.
They managed to avoid protracted litigation by reaching a settlement out of court.
The firm specializes in complex commercial litigation involving multi-jurisdictional disputes.
The firm specializes in complex commercial litigation involving multi-jurisdictional disputes.
