The meaning of EXTENUATING is tending to lessen the real or apparent seriousness of something (such as a crime, offense, or fault) : providing a partial justification or excuse for …

Extenuating circumstances prevented the letter from being delivered until after the war. The bad weather leading up to the match provided 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.

Aug 16, 2025 · Extenuating circumstances are factors that influence the outcome of a situation, particularly within legal and administrative frameworks. They offer a broader understanding of …

Nov 12, 2019 · Discover the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom "extenuating circumstances," along with alternative phrases conveying the same concept.

Extenuating circumstances–also called mitigating factors –are facts or details that are important for fully understanding a situation. With this understanding, the actions a person took in that …

extenuating circumstances in American English noun Law circumstances that render conduct less serious and thereby serve to reduce the damages to be awarded or the punishment to be …

Definition of "extenuating circumstances" Factors that lessen a party's culpability or guilt in civil or criminal matters, possibly leading to reduced charges, penalties, or damage awards

Extenuating circumstance, circumstance that diminishes the culpability of one who has committed a criminal offense and so can be considered to mitigate the punishment.

Extenuating circumstances, or special reasons, are situations that can make someone's actions more understandable or less blameworthy, often used in legal cases to explain why something …