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

She’s watched as focus has broadened over the years, from conservation to sustainability, and now, to corporate responsibility. —Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

Get your caffeine fix at this small-batch artisan roaster that donates a portion of its sales to go toward open space and wildlife conservation. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2025

Though, when done thoughtfully, travel can fund conservation, empower local communities and protect cultural heritage. —Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 10 Dec. 2025

Paleontologist O’Connor notes that studying why the enantiornithines were successful yet vulnerable can help scientists understand and predict the course of the current mass extinction event, ultimately informing modern conservation efforts. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Dec. 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