litigation

noun

lit·​i·​ga·​tion ˌli-tə-ˈgā-shən 

plural litigations

: the act, process, or practice of settling a dispute in a court of law : the act or process of litigating

an issue that has been in litigation for years

an attorney who specializes in the litigation of property disputes

The American Judicial System generally limits the filing of lawsuits to individuals with a personal stake in the litigation, but there are instances when litigants cannot themselves prosecute an action.

—Jonathan Mahler

also : a legal action or proceeding (such as a lawsuit)

"You can't realize how much it costs to run one of these litigations. To get a battery of lawyers into a courtroom and do all the planning … and so on costs $500,000."

—Gordon Gould

Examples of litigation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With a deep understanding of plaintiff challenges and a commitment to ethical lending practices, Tribeca has become a go-to resource for those who need financial assistance during litigation. —Sacramento Bee, 6 June 2024

The fire department, which does not typically comment on pending litigation, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. —Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024

The office generally does not comment on pending litigation. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2024

Powerful education groups threatened litigation before reaching a deal this week, promising additional funds in future years. —Louis Freedberg, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing litigation

• in litigation