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

Colossal Biosciences professes to have species conservation as its primary mission, but de-extinction technologies could be used for other purposes. —JSTOR Daily, 13 Nov. 2025

Irwin has followed in his late father Steve's footsteps in conservation work, and now spearheads the efforts of the Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

Stanton called on the Upper Basin to step up with conservation. —Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 12 Nov. 2025

Anglers are the most likely Hoosiers to encounter a hellbender, and researchers encourage them to report sightings to natural resources professionals in the state, such as DNR conservation officers. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 12 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