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conservation

kon-ser-VAY-shun /ˌkɒn.sərˈveɪ.ʃən/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLSAT

generalacademic

The careful protection, preservation, and planned management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

Focuses on wise management and thoughtful restriction of resource use so natural reserves last indefinitely.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'conservare' (to keep, guard, preserve). The word entered Middle English referring to legal or physical protection of property before expanding into environmental ecology during the early 20th century.

Word relationships

preservation: 'Preservation' aims to keep nature completely pristine without human extraction, while 'conservation' balances sustainable use with protection.

wastefulness: Careless or squandering consumption of finite resources.
depletion: The complete exhaustion of available stocks or materials.

Commonly confused with

efficiency: 'Conservation' involves changing behavior to use less (e.g. turning off lights); 'efficiency' involves using better technology to do the same task with less energy.

Word family

conserve (verb): To protect from waste or loss.
conservationist (noun): A person who advocates for the protection of nature.

Collocations

energy conservation
resource conservation
conservation effort
conservation strategy

Example sentences

"Conservation is the foresighted utilization, preservation and/or renewal of resources, options, and products in the social interest." Environmental Management

Memory hook

CON-SERVE = Guarding things together so they serve us in the future. Saving today for tomorrow.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'preservation', which often implies leaving nature entirely untouched by human activity.

Fun facts

The modern conservation movement gained traction in North America through national park creations led by Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir.