Erosion: meaning, definitions and examples

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erosion

[ɪˈrəʊʒ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

environmental

The process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents.

Synonyms

corrosion, deterioration, wear away.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
erosion	Typically used to describe the gradual removal of soil, rock, or other material by natural forces such as wind or water. The coastline is slowly changing shape due to erosion by the sea. Soil erosion can lead to reduced agricultural productivity.
wear away	Describes the process of something gradually becoming thinner or smoother as a result of use, friction, or exposure to elements. The constant foot traffic caused the carpet to wear away in certain spots. Over time, the inscriptions on the tombstones wore away, making them hard to read.
deterioration	Used to describe the process of something becoming progressively worse. It is a general term that can apply to physical objects, health, conditions, etc. The house fell into a state of deterioration after being abandoned for years. His health has been in gradual deterioration due to the chronic illness.
corrosion	Commonly refers to the process by which metals deteriorate due to chemical reactions, often resulting in rust or other forms of decay. The iron fence showed significant signs of corrosion after years of exposure to rain. Corrosion of the pipes can lead to serious plumbing issues.

Examples of usage

The erosion of the cliffs had been going on for centuries.
Heavy rainfall caused severe erosion along the river banks.
Coastal erosion is a major concern for many communities.
The erosion of the soil resulted in reduced agricultural productivity.
Erosion control measures were implemented to prevent further damage.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

geological

The gradual destruction or diminution of something.

Synonyms

deterioration, diminishment, weakening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
erosion	Erosion is often used to describe the gradual wearing away of earth or rock by natural forces like wind, water, or ice. It can also refer to the gradual weakening or loss of something intangible such as rights or relationships. The erosion of the coastline has been accelerating due to rising sea levels. There has been an erosion of trust between the two communities over the years.
weakening	Weakening is used to describe the process of becoming less strong or less effective. It can be applied to both physical strength and abstract concepts like influence, resistance, or power. The weakening of the currency has led to higher import prices. His grip was weakening as he clung to the edge.
deterioration	Deterioration refers to the process of becoming progressively worse, often used for physical conditions, health, or even socio-economic situations. It implies a decline in quality, value, or condition. The deterioration of the building was evident in the cracked walls and broken windows. Her health has seen a significant deterioration over the past few months.
diminishment	Diminishment refers to the reduction or decrease in size, importance, or intensity of something. It is suitable for contexts where there is a noticeable lessening of quantity or impact. There has been a diminishment in his role within the company. The new policies led to a diminishment in public support.

Examples of usage

The erosion of her self-confidence over time was evident.
The erosion of trust in the government was a major issue.
Erosion of civil liberties is a growing concern.
The erosion of traditional values in society is a topic of debate.
The erosion of the company's reputation was a result of scandal.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'erosion' comes from the Latin 'erosio', which means 'a gnawing away'.
Initially used in English in the late 14th century, it originally referred to the action of erosion in a different context, relating to physical processes.

Science

Erosion plays a critical role in shaping landscapes, creating features like valleys and canyons over thousands of years.
Different materials erode at different rates; softer rocks may erode faster than harder ones, influencing the geography.
Human activities, such as deforestation and urban development, can significantly increase the rate of erosion.

Environmental Impact

Erosion can lead to the loss of fertile soil, which is essential for agriculture and food production.
It can also cause sedimentation in rivers, affecting aquatic life and water quality.
Managing erosion is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and preventing natural disasters like landslides.

Literature

In poetry and literature, erosion can metaphorically represent the gradual loss of time or memories, suggesting inevitability.
The concept of erosion has been explored in various works to illustrate the impact of nature on human lives and ambitions.

Technology

Modern technology has led to the development of erosion control techniques, such as planting vegetation or building retaining walls.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are used to predict erosion patterns and assess the impact of human activities on landscapes.

Translations

Translations of the word "erosion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 erosão

🇮🇳 कटाव

🇩🇪 Erosion

🇮🇩 erosi

🇺🇦 ерозія

🇵🇱 erozja

🇯🇵 侵食 (しんしょく)

🇫🇷 érosion

🇪🇸 erosión

🇹🇷 erozyon

🇰🇷 침식 (침식)

🇸🇦 تآكل

🇨🇿 eroze

🇸🇰 erózia

🇨🇳 侵蚀 (qīnshí)

🇸🇮 erozija

🇮🇸 rofnun

🇰🇿 эрозия

🇬🇪 ეროზია

🇦🇿 eroziya

🇲🇽 erosión

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,418, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4415 seated
4416 landed
4417 packed
4418 erosion
4419 confirm
4420 pressing
4421 arbitration
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