English Reference

Word

preservation

Phoneticspreser·va·tion

US/ˌpɹɛzɝˈveɪʃən/

UK/pɹɪsəvˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

01protecting something

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the act of keeping something safe from damage, decay, or being destroyed.

n. the act of maintaining or protecting something to prevent its destruction or deterioration. Often used in environmental or historical contexts.

“The preservation of old buildings is important for the city's history.”

“The society is dedicated to the preservation of local wetlands, ensuring that the delicate ecosystem remains undisturbed by urban development.”

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

02state of survival

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. the condition of something that has lasted for a long time.

n. the state or quality of being preserved; the condition in which an object has survived.

“The ancient book was in excellent preservation despite its age.”

“Archaeologists were astonished by the state of preservation of the wooden tools found deep within the peat bog.”

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'state of preservation'.

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “preservation” in context.

Verb

01. advocate for the preservation of wildlife

“Local activists continue to advocate for the preservation of wildlife habitats.”

verb + prep + noun + of + noun

02. ensure the preservation of peace

“Diplomatic efforts were intensified to ensure the preservation of peace in the region.”

verb + noun + of + noun

Adjective

03. environmental preservation

“Environmental preservation is a key pillar of the government's long-term strategy.”

adj + noun

04. historical preservation

“The city council allocated funds for historical preservation projects downtown.”

adj + noun

Noun

05. instinct for self-preservation

“In moments of extreme danger, the instinct for self-preservation usually takes over.”

noun + prep + noun

06. preservation of cultural heritage

“The museum is dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.”

noun + of + adj + noun

Preposition

07. in a state of preservation

“The ancient scrolls were found in a remarkable state of preservation despite the humidity.”

prep + noun + prep + noun

Real-World Examples

“A federal appeals court says above-ground construction cannot continue without approval from Congress, siding with historic preservation advocates.”
NPR 7 Aug 2026
“A council packed with Trump appointees wants to rewrite historic preservation rules.”
NPR 23 Jul 2026

Etymology

From Old French preservacion, from Medieval Latin preservatio. Morphologically preserve + -ation.

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

Word family

NOUN

preservation(C1)

This entry

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
Common
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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