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

Ukraine urges power conservation amid grid repairs Ukraine’s Energy Ministry has called on citizens to limit electricity use as crews repair infrastructure damaged in recent Russian strikes. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

CanopyStyle works to protect ancient and endangered forests by working with fashion brands, retailers, designers and their MMCF suppliers to advance forest conservation and ensure sustainable harvesting. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 26 Nov. 2025

Earlier in the year, William helmed a docuseries of short films called Guardians, which highlighted the work that various heroes of conservation do around the world. —Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

Regenerative farming, on-site water treatment, and zero single-use plastics prove that conservation and comfort can go hand in hand on this property (and other Auberge Resorts, too). —Kristin Songy Diehl, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2025

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