Polluting: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used when something harmful or unwanted is introduced to a substance, making it impure or unsafe.

• Bacteria contaminated the food
• The groundwater was contaminated by chemicals

Typically used in a more general sense to describe something that has visible dirt or grime on it.

• His clothes were dirty after working in the garden
• The windows are dirty and need cleaning

Often used to describe food going bad, or ruining the quality of something through damage or excessive use.

• Milk will spoil if it's left out in the heat
• Don't spoil the movie by giving away the ending

Used to indicate that something has been affected by a trace of something bad or undesirable, usually in a way that damages its purity or reputation.

• The scandal tainted his reputation
• The water supply was tainted with a small amount of lead

Use when talking about making the environment dirty or harmful, especially involving air, water, or soil contamination.

• The factory has been polluting the river for years.
• Polluting the air with toxic chemicals is a serious offense.

Use when referring to moral or ethical decay, especially in people, organizations, or systems. Often implies dishonesty or unethical behavior and carries a negative connotation.

• Her actions are corrupting the integrity of our public officials.
• The corrupt practices in the company were eventually exposed.

Use when talking about reducing the quality, value, or dignity of something or someone. Can apply to both environmental and moral contexts.

• Constant use of chemicals is degrading the soil.
• His rude comments were degrading to her.

Use when referring to damaging the reputation or appearance of something. Often used with a metaphorical sense, such as harming a reputation.

• The scandal tarnished his once stellar reputation.
• Over time, the silver became tarnished and lost its shine.

Use when referring to making something toxic or harmful, especially when the toxicity can cause serious harm or death.

• The chemicals were found to poison the local wildlife.
• She accused him of trying to poison their relationship with lies.

Used when discussing the act of making the air, water, or land dirty and unsafe, typically from human activities.

• Factories are polluting the river with waste.
• Cars with high emissions are polluting the city air.

Often used in contexts where harmful substances are introduced into something, causing it to become impure or unsafe. This can apply to food, water, or even data.

• There was a concern about contamination in the drinking water.
• The lab had to be evacuated due to contamination of the samples.

Typically used when referring to the harmful effect of toxic substances entering the body, through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Often has a more immediate and severe connotation.

• Food poisoning can be caused by bacteria like salmonella.
• The community was worried about lead poisoning from old pipes.

Refers to the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals. Often used in medical, chemical, or environmental discussions.

• The toxicity of the chemical can cause severe health issues.
• Scientists measured the toxicity levels of the industrial waste.

Used when something that was pure or clean becomes slightly damaged or spoiled by an undesirable element. Often implies a slight, but noticeable, effect on quality or perception.

• Scandals have a way of tainting a politician’s reputation.
• The wine was tainted by a hint of cork.