Extenuating means "making forgivable." The adjective extenuating is unusual because it's almost always used with the word circumstances; the phrase extenuating circumstances describes the specific reasons that excuse or justify someone's actions.
What does it mean to say extenuating circumstances?
—used to describe something (such as an unusual situation) that makes something (such as a crime or a mistake) seem less serious or deserving of blame —usually used in the phrase extenuating circumstances.
How do you use extenuating circumstances in a sentence?
Examples of 'extenuating circumstances' in a sentence extenuating circumstances
- It is wrong not to give the man a break because of extenuating circumstances. ...
- This might be a fair criticism were it not for the extenuating circumstances. ...
- Yet there are extenuating circumstances that need to be considered.
