curtailment

USAGE SUMMARY

"curtailment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means the reduction or limitation of something, usually a privilege, right, or activity. You can use it when you want to refer to the act of limiting something. For example, "The government enacted a new policy of curtailment of civil liberties in response to the increasing violence in the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Navi Pillay credited Snowden with starting a global debate that has led to calls for the curtailment of state powers to snoop on citizens online and store their data.

The Guardian

The Afghan government has recently passed a bill that will see the curtailment of the country's wedding industry, limiting guest lists to 500 and setting a cap of 400 Afghanis (£4.50) per head on food.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Tonight's award reflects [Charlie Hebdo's] refusal to accept the curtailment of speech through violence," said PEN president Andrew Solomon at the event.

The Guardian - Books

Six months later Rio Tinto announced the curtailment of its bauxite refinery, and with it more than 1,000 job losses.

The Guardian

"Tonights's award reflects [Charlie Hebdo's] refusal to accept the curtailment of speech through violence.

The Guardian - Books

A curtailment of fraud-on-the-market is therefore quite possible.

The Economist

But why do cuts to the NIH result in such dramatic curtailment of research, National Cancer Institute director, former NIH director and Nobel Prize for Medicine winner Harold Varmus?"The most important new thing we do every year is to make new awards to people with new ideas," Varmus said.

The Economist

Their primary contact with the industry after being granted a loan is through collection agents who are compensated based on how much they collect, and who therefore have little incentive to explain alternatives.There are increasingly loud calls for reform of the system, with demands that range from a full-fledged bail-out of borrowers to a phased curtailment of government lending.

The Economist

But the first analogy is wrong and the moral of the second is not the one intended.A hot, total war like the second world war could not last for decades, so the curtailment of domestic liberties was short-lived.

The Economist

He has made a number of statements pointing to the growing economic and social problems facing the country, including an oblique reference to the curtailment of pension allowances.Gas chance?One possible scenario would be for the new president to take Turkmenistan some way along the path followed by Kazakhstan, and make the country more welcoming to foreign investment.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The idea that employees should actually be grateful for the removal or curtailment of their little perks and pleasures might seem far-fetched but as the downturn bites, it is a consoling thought.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curtailment" in formal contexts when you need to express a reduction or limitation, especially of rights, freedoms, or privileges. For example, "The new law led to the curtailment of civil liberties."

Common error

Avoid using "curtailment" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler words like "reduction" or "cut" are usually more appropriate. Using "curtailment" in informal settings can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "curtailment" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the act or process of reducing or limiting something. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts such as "curtailment of speech" or "curtailment of liberties".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curtailment" is a noun that signifies the act of reducing or limiting something, often in a formal or official context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently used in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating a formal and precise register. When writing, use "curtailment" to denote a reduction or limitation, particularly of rights or privileges. Consider synonyms like "reduction" or "limitation" for greater clarity or when aiming for less formality. Remember that the term is generally avoided in casual or informal settings, according to writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduction

Focuses on the act of making something smaller in size or amount.

limitation

Emphasizes setting a boundary or restriction.

restriction

Similar to limitation, but often implies a more formal or legal constraint.

decrease

Highlights the process of becoming smaller or less.

cutback

Suggests a sudden or significant reduction, often in spending or resources.

retrenchment

Implies a reduction, often in staff or expenditure, due to financial difficulties.

downsizing

Specifically refers to reducing the size of a company or organization.

abridgment

Refers to the act of shortening something, often a text or piece of writing.

suppression

Indicates the act of forcibly putting an end to something.

lessening

Focuses on the gradual reduction of something.

FAQs

How do you use "curtailment" in a sentence?

You can use "curtailment" to describe the reduction or limitation of something. For instance, "The budget cuts resulted in the curtailment of public services."

What's a synonym for "curtailment"?

Synonyms for "curtailment" include "reduction", "limitation", and "restriction", depending on the context.

Is "curtailment" a formal word?

Yes, "curtailment" is considered a formal word, best used in professional or academic writing. Less formal options include "cutback" or "decrease".

What is the difference between "curtailment" and "reduction"?

"Curtailment" often implies a limitation or restriction of something established, like rights or freedoms, while "reduction" is a more general term for decreasing something in size or amount.