derogation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "derogation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to refer to the act of taking away or diminishing the authority or validity of something. Example: "The new law represents a derogation of the rights previously granted to citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Granting the officers anonymity would be a "major derogation of the open justice principles", said barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher, for the media.

The Guardian

They signed an unprecedented derogation of power from Whitehall.

The Guardian

Companies dislike it, since it eats into their sales in more lucrative markets, and they fear that it will grow when even lower-price markets, such as Poland, join the EU.To ease these worries, the G10 calls for a "derogation" or exemption of new member states from the EU's free trade in pharmaceuticals.

The Economist

In their December ruling, the law lords had already queried the government's justification for its derogation.

The Economist

No other European nation has done so.Under the convention, derogation is permitted only "in time of war or other public emergency threatening the life of the nation", and then only "to the extent strictly required".

The Economist

But Mr Clarke hopes they will pass: if necessary, he says, he will seek a new derogation from the clause in the European Convention on Human Rights that guarantees a right to liberty.

The Economist

Partly on this ground it has won the right to bar foreign labour for up to seven years, and also the right to block non-residents indefinitely from buying second homes on the Maltese islands the only permanent derogation granted to any accession country.Malta's winning streak is likely to continue.

The Economist

America still gets more than half of its electricity from coal, but only because many older plants have been "grandfathered", and so do not have to meet strict new emissions standards a derogation that is almost certain to be struck down at some point.

The Economist

Britain could seek a derogation from the European convention on grounds of national security, though this would be a profoundly unpopular option.

The Economist

Withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights and then rejoining it with a derogation allowing exemptions to asylum policy on grounds of national security would be another.But both of these would be very controversial.

The Economist

Nor would they require derogation from the European convention.But the new orders, including house arrest, would be used only where a suspected terrorist could not be prosecuted either because the evidence against him was not admissible in court, or because it might reveal intelligence sources or surveillance techniques.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal and formal contexts, use "derogation" to refer to the act of taking away or diminishing the authority or validity of something.

Common error

Avoid using "derogation" when you simply mean disagreement or criticism. "Derogation" implies a formal or legal diminishing of something, not just disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The term "derogation" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act of diminishing or detracting from something, often in a legal or formal context. It's frequently used to describe a reduction in the power or authority of a law, right, or principle. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "derogation" is a noun that refers to the act of diminishing or detracting from something, often in a legal or formal sense. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and commonly used. It frequently appears in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Formal & Business contexts. While synonyms like "exception" or "waiver" exist, "derogation" carries a specific connotation of a formal or legal suspension of a rule or right. Use it when precision is needed in discussing international law, human rights, or contractual agreements. The best practice is to employ it when discussing the suspension of certain rights during a declared state of emergency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exception

Implies a specific instance where a rule does not apply.

waiver

Suggests a voluntary relinquishment of a right or claim.

exemption

Indicates freedom from a general obligation or duty.

abrogation

Denotes the repeal or annulment of a law or agreement.

diminution

Refers to a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

detraction

Involves taking away from someone's merit or reputation.

impairment

Signifies a weakening or damage to something.

infringement

Means a violation or breach of a law or right.

breach

Implies a failure to observe a law or obligation.

relaxation

Suggests making a rule or standard less strict.

FAQs

How is "derogation" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "derogation" refers to the partial or temporary suspension of a law or right, often during a state of emergency, as in "a derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights".

What's the difference between "derogation" and "abrogation"?

"Derogation" implies a temporary or partial suspension, while "abrogation" means the complete repeal or annulment of a law or agreement.

When is it appropriate to use "derogation"?

"Derogation" is appropriate when discussing international law, human rights, or formal agreements where a specific provision is being temporarily set aside under specific conditions.

What are some alternatives to "derogation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "exception", "waiver", or "exemption" to convey a similar meaning without the legal connotation.