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

Now, with the hatchlings and a $2 million international conservation initiative, Goode, a coalition of NGOs, and the Madagascar government are preparing to return the species to its native habitat. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026

For Sidoti, the series reflects the same spirit of stewardship that defines the garden’s approach to conservation. — Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

The genomic data generated is published openly, creating a global resource for researchers and supporting critical efforts to better understand species relationships, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen conservation strategies. — Hayley Tabor, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

The remaining non-voting shares were placed under the 501(c)(4), which plans to donate tens of millions of dollars annually to education, healthcare, conservation, and the local community. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 July 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