English Reference
noun

exemption

n.
US /ɪɡˈzɛmpʃən/ UK /ɛɡzˈɛmpʃən/ ex·emp·tion UK spelling exemptions

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    permission to not follow a rule or duty that usually applies to everyone.

    the state of being excused from a requirement, duty, or obligation. Often used with the preposition 'from'.

    Simple

    He was granted an exemption from military service because of his health problems.

    In context

    The university granted her an exemption from the introductory language course based on her high score on the placement exam.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the preposition 'from'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    a specific amount of money that you do not have to pay tax on.

    a reduction in the amount of income or property that is subject to taxation.

    Simple

    Families with many children may be eligible for a special tax exemption.

    In context

    The government introduced a new tax exemption for small businesses to encourage investment in green technology.

    Usage

    Typically functions as a countable noun in financial contexts.

There are a few exemptions - such as if a player is injured or there are security concerns about where they can go off.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

In Texas, a child needs certain vaccinations to attend school, unless their parent fills out a government-issued form explaining a moral, religious, or medical exemption.

BBC News· 3 Aug 2026

From Old French exemption, from Latin exemptiō, from eximō, equivalent to exempt + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin exemptiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated