Word
leniency
Phoneticsle·nien·cy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫinjənsi/
UK/lˈiːnɪənsi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the quality of being kind and not punishing someone too much. You use this when someone makes a mistake but gets a lighter punishment than they might have expected.
n. the quality of being merciful or forgiving in the administration of punishment. Often used in legal or disciplinary contexts to describe a lenient sentence or action.
Examples
“The judge showed leniency by giving him a small fine.”
“The school board decided to show leniency toward the student because it was his first offense.”
“While the statute mandates a minimum sentence, the court may exercise leniency if the defendant demonstrates genuine remorse and a commitment to rehabilitation.”
Examples
simple
“The judge showed leniency by giving him a small fine.”
contextual
“The school board decided to show leniency toward the student because it was his first offense.”
complex
“While the statute mandates a minimum sentence, the court may exercise leniency if the defendant demonstrates genuine remorse and a commitment to rehabilitation.”
Real-World Examples
“On Tuesday's sentencing, Liu's lawyer asked for leniency arguing that his client feels remorse and "is not a cult leader, nor requires people to follow his cult", according to Radio New Zealand.” “If the first offender escapes consequences, children expect the second offender to be treated with the same leniency.” Etymology
From lenient + -ency.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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