Littering: meaning, definitions and examples

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littering

 

[ ˈlɪtərɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

environmental action

Littering refers to the act of irresponsibly disposing of waste materials in public spaces, leading to environmental pollution. It disrupts the natural beauty of landscapes, causes harm to wildlife, and can result in legal penalties.

Synonyms

discarding, dumping, polluting.

Examples of usage

  • People often face fines for littering in public parks.
  • Littering on the beach can spoil the experience for others.
  • Educating children about the dangers of littering is essential.

Translations

Translations of the word "littering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descartar lixo

🇮🇳 कचरा फैलाना

🇩🇪 Müllverunreinigung

🇮🇩 membuang sampah

🇺🇦 сміттєзвалище

🇵🇱 zaśmiecanie

🇯🇵 ゴミの不法投棄

🇫🇷 déversement de déchets

🇪🇸 arrojar basura

🇹🇷 çöp atma

🇰🇷 쓰레기 버리기

🇸🇦 إلقاء القمامة

🇨🇿 znečištění odpady

🇸🇰 znečisťovanie odpadmi

🇨🇳 乱扔垃圾

🇸🇮 odmetavanje smeti

🇮🇸 ruslita

🇰🇿 қоқыс тастау

🇬🇪 ნაგვის დაყრა

🇦🇿 zibil atma

🇲🇽 tirar basura

Etymology

The term 'littering' is derived from the word 'litter', which itself comes from the Middle English word 'litere', meaning 'to bring forth, to bed'. The modern usage of 'litter' began in the 19th century, referring to scattered pieces of waste or refuse. Over time, 'littering' became commonly associated with the irresponsible disposal of trash in public places. As environmental awareness grew in the late 20th century, language surrounding littering evolved, emphasizing not only the act itself but also its ecological impacts. The term has been increasingly prevalent in discussions about environmental conservation and public health, reflecting a societal shift toward greater responsibility for waste management.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,683, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.