Definition
To mitigate is to soften a blow you cannot entirely prevent. Sea walls mitigate flooding; apologies mitigate anger; insurance mitigates financial loss. The word concedes that the bad thing exists or will happen — the work of mitigation is to reduce its severity, not to eliminate it. This is why climate policy distinguishes mitigation (cutting emissions to lessen warming) from adaptation (living with the warming that comes anyway).
Examples
- Mangrove forests mitigate the impact of storm surges on coastal villages.
- The airline offered refunds to mitigate passengers' frustration over the delays.
- Regular breaks can mitigate the strain of studying for hours at a screen.
Synonyms
alleviate · reduce · lessen · ease · temper
In TOEFL & IELTS
One of the most useful verbs in academic English. IELTS Writing Task 2 problem-solution essays practically require it: 'To mitigate this problem, governments could…'. TOEFL passages on climate and public health use 'mitigation' as a key term. Don't confuse it with 'militate against', a classic usage trap.