lawsuit

word

/ˈɫɔˌsut/
LAW-soot
/lˈɔːsuːt/
LAW-soot

Definition

A lawsuit is a legal case brought to a court, usually because one person or organization says another has caused harm or broken a legal duty. It often involves asking for money, enforcement of a right, or another legal remedy.

Usage & Nuances

Common in legal and news contexts; more formal than simply saying 'case'. Typical collocations are 'file a lawsuit', 'face a lawsuit', 'settle a lawsuit', and 'class-action lawsuit'. Don't confuse it with 'sue', which is the verb.

Example Sentences

She started a lawsuit after the accident.

basic

The company filed a lawsuit against its former manager.

basic

The lawsuit could take months to finish.

basic

They threatened a lawsuit if the article wasn't taken down.

natural

Honestly, nobody wants a lawsuit, so let's try to fix this now.

natural

That small complaint turned into a big lawsuit surprisingly fast.

natural