conservation

noun

con·​ser·​va·​tion ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən 

1

: a careful preservation and protection of something

especially : planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect

water conservation

wildlife conservation

2

: the preservation of a physical quantity during transformations or reactions

conservational

ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• conservancy
• preservation
• sustentation

Examples of conservation in a Sentence

They are trying to raise money for conservation.

the conservation of the environment

She specializes in the conservation of furniture.

the conservation of religious shrines

Recent Examples on the Web

The enduring guilt from this defacement was what had sparked his lifelong devotion to the ruins’ conservation. —Youmna Melhem Chamieh, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

The new pandas are not a permanent acquisition at all, but a loan—part of a complicated diplomatic ten-year agreement that includes a $1 million annual fee to China for conservation efforts. —Roger Catlin, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

Four fuzzy and downright adorable animals have made their debut at Texas zoos this year, bringing joy to visitors and bolstering conservation efforts. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Dec. 2024

For the Australia royal tour specifically, the bulk of the money was spent foremost on travel, accommodation and meals, followed by expenses for event management and hospitality; ground transport; and expenses including a national contribution to the conservation project Greening Australia. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conservacioun "maintenance in good condition," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French conservacion "preservation, protection," borrowed from Latin conservātiōn-, conservātiō "action of keeping intact or unharmed, preservation," from conservāre "to save or keep from danger, preserve, keep unchanged" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at conserve entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing conservation

• anti-conservation
• conservation area
• conservation of charge
• conservation of energy
• conservation of mass

Kids Definition

conservation

noun

con·​ser·​va·​tion ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən 

: a careful preservation and protection of something

especially : planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, pollution, destruction, or neglect