noun

litigation

lit-ih-GAY-shun/ˌlɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/

The process of pursuing or defending a lawsuit in court.

The company faces costly litigation over its unpaid bills.

Single wide modern courtroom scene showing a civil dispute being heard: opposing lawyers stand at separate tables presenting evidence to a seated judge while the two clients sit behind them; measured formal proceedings, papers with abstract marks only, no legible writing.

Etymology

litLatinlawsuit, dispute

+igLatindrive forward

+ationLatinaction or process

The roots picture “driving a suit” forward, while the ending names the activity. Litigation is thus the process of carrying a legal dispute through court.

In context

Philadelphia Bar Association7:45

she has led trial teams in both state and federal court and has handled all aspects of litigation from the filing of the complaint through expert reports

Chancellor's Forum: Spotlight on Judicial Security

More examples

Both sides hope to avoid litigation by reaching an agreement.
The dispute remains in litigation after three years.
Her law firm handles litigation involving workplace discrimination.

Forms

litigation

litigate verb — To pursue or defend a lawsuit in court.

litigator noun — A lawyer who pursues or defends lawsuits.

Similar words

lawsuit: A specific court case rather than the process of handling it.
legal action: Often emphasizes initiating a claim rather than managing court proceedings.