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-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of conservation

• preservation

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

In his budget plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year, Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed to reduce expenditures for the state’s biodiversity conservation program as well as the enforcement division of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which employs game wardens and wildlife officers. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2026

As part of the recent renovation, the resort added the Kumu Kai Marine Center where guests can learn about local sea life and conservation efforts. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

That fact alone changes everything about how conservation works for this species. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026

Additionally, 57 percent of acreage uses no-till or conservation tillage, minimizing soil disturbance to reduce erosion, improve water infiltration and lower fuel use. —Sj Studio, Footwear News, 6 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for conservation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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