litigious

"Litigious" describes someone, or sometimes an organization, that is too ready to start lawsuits, even over minor matters. It is more than just having been involved in a lawsuit. It implies a repeated tendency to use legal action as the first, and often preferred, way of resolving disputes.

The word comes from "litigate," meaning to carry on a legal case. However, "litigious" usually has a negative tone. It suggests that someone is quick to argue, quick to find fault, and eager to take matters to court.

You would not describe a lawyer as litigious simply because handling lawsuits is part of the job. Instead, you might say, "The company has become increasingly litigious in recent years," suggesting a shift toward aggressive legal tactics. Or, "He was a litigious old man, always finding reasons to sue his neighbors."

The term often appears in discussions about legal reform, business disputes, or a culture in which people too quickly turn to lawsuits. So if someone is always threatening to see you in court, there is a good chance they are litigious.