What does solicitation mean?
Solicitation means the act of asking, persuading, or seeking something, especially money, support, business, or a public response. It is used in fundraising, commercial promotion, political campaigning, and legal settings. For example, a charity may conduct telephone solicitation to potential donors, while a company may engage in solicitation directed at prospective customers. The word often implies an organized or persistent effort rather than a casual request. In legal contexts, it may have specialized meanings, including efforts to persuade investors, voters, or other members of the public to take a defined action. Although “solicitation” can sound somewhat formal or impersonal, it conveys more than simply making a request by emphasizing deliberate effort to obtain a response or participation. The related verb “solicit” is used when an organization or person actively seeks funds, business, support, or consent.
nounAn act of requesting, persuading, or seeking something, especially money, support, business, or a response. In legal and commercial contexts, it refers to an organized attempt to obtain purchases, applications, or participation from prospective customers or members of the public.
- The act of making a request or appeal, especially for a contribution, favor, or response.
- A commercial or fundraising approach made to potential customers, donors, or members of the public.
- A legal or administrative attempt to induce people to take a particular action, such as purchasing a product, investing money, or voting in a proxy solicitation.
"The charity relies on telephone solicitation to raise funds for its educational programs."
"The campaign sent letters and made phone calls as part of its voter solicitation."
"Door-to-door solicitation for the magazine was declined by most residents."
Used when referring to multiple requests, appeals, fundraising approaches, or legal acts of solicitation.
"The investigators documented thousands of fraudulent solicitations sent by email."
The phrase “unsolicited” may describe an unexpected request, but a legal solicitation is often a carefully planned campaign to obtain money, business, or participation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does solicitation come from?
The word comes through French from Latin sollicitatio, a noun meaning an urging or appeal, derived from sollicitare, “to urge, disturb, or solicit.” The underlying Latin root is shared with English “solicit” and “solicitor.” The English noun developed in legal and commercial contexts before becoming common for organized fundraising, advertising, and requests made by organizations.
How solicitation is actually used
The word is formal and often sounds institutional or legal. In everyday contexts, “request” is usually more neutral, while “solicitation” can suggest persistence, organized promotion, or a legal or commercial approach. In legal usage, its meaning may depend on the specific statute or context.
Easily confused with solicitation
Solicitation is the act of requesting or seeking something, whereas solicitude means careful attention or concern for someone’s well-being.