abatement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abatement" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal, environmental, or financial contexts to refer to the reduction or elimination of something, such as pollution or a debt. Example: "The city implemented a new policy aimed at the abatement of air pollution to improve public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the costs of abatement are uncertain, just as are the costs of failing to abate.

The Economist

At the moment it "meets the government's objective that the mechanism will not be a driver of abatement towards the 2020 target", AIG said.

The Guardian

These investments will deliver a positive return to the CEFC, with a cost of abatement in the order of negative $2.40 per tonne CO2e.

The Guardian

In 2013, the CEFC's investments of $536m mobilised on average $2.90 of private sector investment for every $1 of CEFC investment and will achieve abatement of 3.88m tonnes of CO2e per annum.

The Guardian

And that is even before taking into account that much of the abatement bought in this first auction will not happen until after 2020.

The Guardian

The initial auction under Direct Action's $2.55bn emissions reduction fund was revealed last week to have purchased 47m tonnes of carbon dioxide abatement at $14 per tonne – a result environment minister Greg Hunt claimed was "stunning" and proved Australia would easily meet its 2020 target of a 5% reduction compared with 2000 levels by 2020.

The Guardian

That task now requires less than one third of the abatement originally thought necessary because emissions have fallen without government action – partly because of the closure of manufacturing industry.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The state authorities in Alabama, for instance, now have a noise-abatement ordinance that makes the thumping sound from car stereos played at more than 80 decibels a punishable offence.

The Economist

That sort of gap will be hard to close without huge and costly investments in carbon-abatement technologies, or offsets and credits, or both.

The Economist

Mr Snow at the water department has counted more than 200 entities, from cities and counties to fisheries and reclamation or irrigation districts and even mosquito-abatement boards, that share responsibility in such a way that nobody has any.

The Economist

Manufactures include medical instruments and supplies, a variety of electrical equipment and instruments (including microelectronic components and systems), pollution-abatement equipment, chemicals, fertilizer, and food products.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental regulations, use "abatement" to specifically refer to the reduction of pollution or harmful emissions. This term is commonly used in policy and scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "abatement" when the context requires a complete removal or elimination. "Abatement" implies a reduction or lessening, not necessarily a complete eradication. For total removal, consider words like "elimination" or "eradication".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "abatement" is as a noun, referring to the act of reducing or the state of being reduced. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reliable sources where "abatement" functions as a noun, often in contexts related to environmental policy, finance, or law.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

31%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abatement" is a noun referring to the reduction or lessening of something, frequently used in formal contexts like environmental science, law, and finance. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and encyclopedic sources. While synonyms like "reduction" and "mitigation" exist, "abatement" carries a specific connotation of lessening a burden or nuisance. Remember to use "abatement" when the context calls for a reduction rather than a complete elimination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduction

This term directly implies a decrease in quantity, size, or intensity, similar to "abatement" in its general sense.

lessening

Focuses on the act of making something smaller or weaker, akin to the diminishing aspect of "abatement".

diminution

Highlights the process of becoming smaller or less, mirroring the reducing effect of "abatement".

alleviation

Implies a reduction in pain, suffering, or severity, comparable to "abatement" in contexts like nuisance or problem reduction.

mitigation

Specifically suggests reducing the severity or impact of something negative, such as risks or damages, aligning with "abatement" in environmental and risk management contexts.

curtailment

Indicates a restriction or reduction, particularly in activities or expenditures, resembling "abatement" in contexts like budget cuts or emissions control.

suppression

Suggests the forceful stopping or prevention of something, similar to "abatement" in contexts where something is being actively stopped.

decrease

A general term for becoming smaller or fewer, mirroring "abatement's" basic meaning of reduction.

reprieve

Implies a temporary suspension or relief, similar to the temporary cessation aspect of "abatement" in some contexts.

respite

Similar to reprieve, it suggests a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant, relating to the temporary relief aspect of "abatement".

FAQs

How is "abatement" typically used in environmental contexts?

"Abatement" in environmental contexts refers to the reduction of pollution or other harmful substances. It often appears in discussions of environmental regulations and policies, aiming to lessen negative impacts rather than eliminate them entirely.

What's the difference between "mitigation" and "abatement"?

While both terms involve reducing negative impacts, "mitigation" often refers to reducing the severity of something after it has occurred or is ongoing. "Abatement" usually refers to preventing or reducing something at its source or during its occurrence.

When is it appropriate to use "abatement" in a legal context?

In legal contexts, "abatement" can refer to the ending or suppression of a nuisance or the reduction of a tax or debt. It implies a lessening or moderation of something that is considered legally problematic or burdensome.

Are there synonyms for "abatement" that can be used interchangeably?

While there are several synonyms for "abatement", such as "reduction", "lessening", or "diminution", the best choice depends on the specific context. "Mitigation" is a good alternative in environmental or risk-related contexts.