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

Jennifer de Mooy Jennifer de Mooy has worked in conservation, environmental protection, and climate policy for forty years. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026

This Reading By 9 Guide is designed to help both teachers and parents explain water conservation to kids in a simple, engaging, and meaningful way. — Sarah Viramontes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Every guest pays $100 a night towards conservation projects, which include rebuilding schools and clinics on the mainland, and providing conservation lessons to schools and fishing communities. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Coupal said the state would do better to build more reservoirs and provide voluntary incentives to encourage water conservation, like more rebates for property owners who choose to replace grass with low-water landscaping. — Paul Rogers, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 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