What does litigation mean?
Litigation is the formal process of resolving disputes through legal proceedings, usually in a court. It involves bringing, defending, or contesting legal claims and can include negotiations, filings, trials, and judgments. The term is common in legal, business, and political contexts, where it may imply that a disagreement has become costly, lengthy, or adversarial. It is broader than a lawsuit, which is one particular court case, but narrower than the general idea of conflict resolution. Litigation may be civil, involving disputes between private parties, or criminal, involving prosecution by the state. Because it describes a legal activity rather than a single object, the word is normally used in the uncountable form.
nounThe process of bringing or defending legal claims in court, especially through a lawsuit. It can also refer more broadly to formal legal action or dispute-resolution proceedings.
- The process of bringing or defending a legal claim in court.
- Legal proceedings collectively; a particular lawsuit or dispute handled through the courts.
"The companies reached a settlement after months of costly litigation."
"The policy was changed after litigation exposed serious safety concerns."
"Her career in litigation earned her a reputation for persistence in commercial disputes."
The plural is rare; “litigation” normally refers to legal proceedings collectively or as an uncountable process.
"The company's repeated litigations have resulted in substantial legal expenses."
Litigation turns disagreement into a formal contest conducted within the law, often turning the courtroom into the ultimate arena for negotiation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does litigation come from?
The word comes from Latin litigatio, a noun meaning “dispute” or “litigation,” derived from litigare, “to dispute” or “to contest.” English borrowed the term through legal usage in the 15th century, when it was associated with disputes settled through courts. The same Latin root underlies related English forms such as litigate, litigant, and litigator, as well as cognates in other Romance languages.
How litigation is actually used
Usually formal and legal in register. The word is normally uncountable and refers to the process or activity of litigation rather than to one specific lawsuit.
Easily confused with litigation
Litigation means the process of resolving disputes through legal proceedings, whereas legislation means laws or the act of making them.
A lawsuit is a particular case brought in court, while litigation is the broader process or body of legal proceedings.