extenuating

American  

[ik-sten-yoo-ey-ting] / ɪkˈstɛn yuˌeɪ tɪŋ /

adjective

1. serving to make a fault, offense, etc., appear less serious.

   The judge gave him a comparatively mild sentence due to extenuating circumstances.

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Other Word Forms

• extenuatingly adverb
• nonextenuating adjective
• nonextenuatingly adverb
• unextenuating adjective
• unextenuatingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of extenuating

First recorded in 1600–10; extenuat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The mortgage agreement for the Arizona property required them to occupy the home as their “principal residence” for at least a year, barring “extenuating circumstances” or the lender allowing them to violate the stipulation.

From Salon

Swansea University students can access a carers passport to help facilitate reasonable adjustments and extenuating circumstances.

From BBC

After the public backlash, Taiwan announced additional exemptions for individuals with extenuating circumstances such as financial hardship, medical needs or safety concerns about traveling to China to search for records.

From Los Angeles Times

He added that there were “extenuating circumstances” that he believed could factor into the case, but provided no details.

From Los Angeles Times

Kasten said the Dodgers and other teams try to accommodate fans with extenuating circumstances.

From Los Angeles Times