The Open Dictionary

mitigating

adjective

UK/ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tɪŋ/
US/ˈmɪt̬.ə.ɡeɪ.t̬ɪŋ/

Definitions of mitigating adjective

  1. formal

    Reducing the severity, harmfulness, or unpleasantness of something.

    • Are there any circumstances that could explain her shocking behavior and lessen its severity?

    • We need to find strategies that can mitigate the impact of this failure.

    • Wearing a mask is an effective measure for mitigating the spread of the virus.

  2. lawspecialized

    Making a crime or punishment less severe or serious; deserving leniency.

    • The judge must consider all mitigating factors when sentencing.

    • The defendant's youth and lack of a criminal record were presented as mitigating factors by the defense lawyer.

    • Because of these mitigating circumstances, the court decided to impose a lighter sentence.