litigious

USAGE SUMMARY

‘litigious’ is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that is given to bringing litigation or legal action. For example, "The company has a reputation of being litigious, as they frequently bring lawsuits against their competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In his conversation with the website bakeryandsnacks.com, Dempsey talks about why "in their masses" manufacturers were removing GM ingredients from their products: Clearly in a litigious society that we have right now, whether you are right or wrong, that litigation costs hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars.

The Guardian

His speeches remain under copyright, and his famously litigious estate has licensed the film rights exclusively to Dreamworks and Warner Bros for a biopic of King being developed by Steven Spielberg – so director Ava DuVernay could not use any of King's own words.

The Guardian - Film

In the highly litigious USA, there has been no example for more than 20 years of any harm or legal damages being awarded due to GM crops. The statement that there "is not" any evidence of an intrinsic hazard will be one of the questions I will focus on today.

The Guardian

Americans are not so much unusually litigious as unusually fearful, and this fearfulness extends to the prospect of lawsuits.

The Economist

And in litigious America an appeal, whatever the verdict, seems inevitable.And then?

The Economist

But if patients are to become consumers, perhaps doctors will have to learn to see themselves as ordinary service providers.This way of thinking might make for better regulation, and a more transparent medical culture, but it could prove costly and not just because consumers are demanding and sometimes litigious.

The Economist

It spares them the need to deal with pushy, impatient, litigious shareholders, allowing the firm to focus on its private goals and long-term growth.

The Economist

Because companies and auditors demand certainty in America's litigious market place, the most he can do, he says, is to steer somewhere in between the two approaches.Standard-setters may find it a struggle to bring in tough new measures.

The Economist

Second, Mr Bealmear says, the American legal system is now so litigious, and patenting so fraught with difficulties, that it can take up to two years to secure all the necessary agreements to make chips of the complexity Cadence specialises in.

The Economist

But many of his fellow francophone philosophers regard him as too outrageous to speak to.Charming, provocative and litigious, Tariq Ramadan is unique among Europe's Muslim activists.

The Economist

She lost by default in a libel action brought by a litigious Saudi national, Khalid bin Mahfouz, over allegations made in her book "Funding Evil".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person or entity as "litigious", ensure you have credible evidence or examples to support this characterization, as it can carry negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid labeling entire groups or nationalities as "litigious" based on stereotypes. Focus on specific individuals, companies, or situations where legal action is demonstrably frequent.

Linguistic Context

The word "litigious" functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a person, company, or environment characterized by a propensity to engage in lawsuits. Ludwig confirms this usage, showcasing its application in describing societies, individuals, and industries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "litigious" effectively describes a tendency to engage in lawsuits. As Ludwig confirms, this term is grammatically sound and frequently encountered, particularly in news and business contexts. While it can be a neutral descriptor, it often carries negative undertones, implying excessive legal action. When using "litigious", it's crucial to provide supporting evidence to avoid broad generalizations. Alternatives such as "inclined to sue" or "prone to litigation" may offer similar meanings with slightly varied emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined to sue

Focuses on the propensity to initiate legal proceedings.

prone to litigation

Highlights the likelihood of being involved in lawsuits.

legally aggressive

Emphasizes a forceful approach in legal matters.

lawsuit-happy

Informal term indicating a readiness to file lawsuits.

contentious

Suggests a tendency to engage in disputes, not exclusively legal.

dispute-oriented

Highlights a focus on disagreements and conflicts.

quarrelsome

Indicates a disposition to argue and bicker.

argumentative

Describes a tendency to engage in arguments and debates.

belligerent

Suggests a hostile and aggressive approach to conflict.

combative

Implies a readiness to fight or argue.

FAQs

How can I use "litigious" in a sentence?

You can use "litigious" to describe someone who is prone to bringing lawsuits. For example, "The company is known for being "litigious" and aggressively protects its patents."

What is a synonym for "litigious"?

Synonyms for "litigious" include "inclined to sue", "prone to litigation", and "legally aggressive".

Is it negative to describe someone as "litigious"?

Yes, describing someone as "litigious" often carries a negative connotation, implying they are excessively eager to engage in lawsuits, which can be seen as disruptive or aggressive.

What's the difference between "litigious" and "contentious"?

"Litigious" specifically refers to a tendency to engage in lawsuits, while "contentious" describes someone who is likely to cause or be involved in arguments or disputes, not necessarily legal ones.