# exemption

/ɪɡˈzɛmpʃən/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈɛmpʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exemption
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. freedom from a rule

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

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

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

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

## Examples

- He applied for a tax exemption because he works for a charity.
- The university granted her an exemption from the introductory course because she had already studied the material abroad.
- Securing a religious exemption from certain workplace mandates requires demonstrating that the belief is sincerely held and central to the individual's life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.