extenuating circumstances


A situation or condition that provides an excuse for an action, as in Although Nancy missed three crucial rehearsals, there were extenuating circumstances, so she was not dismissed. This expression was originally legal terminology, denoting circumstances that partly excuse a crime and therefore call for less punishment or damages. [c. 1600]

Words Nearby extenuating circumstances

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use extenuating circumstances in a sentence

  • The inquiry naturally occurs, Are there no extenuating circumstances to be adduced on the part of the Japanese?

  • I will gladly hear any extenuating circumstances that you may give, for I am loth to believe that you are guilty of treachery.

    A Daughter of the Union | Lucy Foster Madison
  • Ralph attempted no apology, or excused himself by extenuating circumstances.

  • He alone can judge how far the cruelty of Mr. Elliot was the outcome of extenuating circumstances.

    The Longest Journey | E. M. Forster
  • In the case of any extenuating circumstances, the culprit may be sent to penal servitude with hard labour for twenty years.

    The Invasion | William Le Queux