Waterlogged: meaning, definitions and examples

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waterlogged

 

[ˈwɔːtəlɒɡd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

wet condition

Soaked or saturated with water to the point of being heavy or logged down. When an object becomes waterlogged, it is filled with water and unable to function properly.

Synonyms

drenched, soggy, water-soaked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waterlogged

Suitable when describing land or areas that have absorbed a lot of water, often leading to problems with drainage or stability.

  • The field became waterlogged after the heavy rain, making it impossible to play football.
  • The ship started to sink because it was waterlogged.
soggy

Best for softer or less solid things that have become excessively wet and mushy.

  • The cereal became soggy after sitting in milk for too long.
  • The ground was soggy and difficult to walk on.
water-soaked

Used to describe something that has absorbed a large amount of water, often a material item like fabric, wood, or paper.

  • The water-soaked towel was heavy and difficult to wring out.
  • The documents were water-soaked and almost unreadable after the flood.
drenched

Used when someone or something is completely soaked with water, often from rain or an intentional action.

  • She was drenched from head to toe after walking in the rain without an umbrella.
  • The firefighters drenched the building to put out the fire.

Examples of usage

  • The boat became waterlogged after being left out in the rain for days.
  • The hiker's shoes were waterlogged after walking through the swamp.
Context #2 | Noun

forensic science

A body or object that has been submerged in water for a period of time, causing decomposition and changes in physical appearance. In forensic investigations, waterlogged remains can provide valuable evidence.

Synonyms

saturated, soaked, submerged.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waterlogged

This word is often used to describe areas, materials, or objects that have absorbed so much water that they cannot take in any more. It is commonly used in agricultural or environmental contexts.

  • The field was waterlogged after days of heavy rain.
  • The boat became waterlogged and started to sink.
saturated

Used to describe something that is completely filled or soaked with liquid, often to the point where it cannot absorb any more. It can also be used figuratively to mean 'fully satisfied' or 'completely filled with something other than liquid'.

  • The sponge was saturated with water.
  • The market is saturated with new technology gadgets.
submerged

Often used to describe something that is entirely under water. It can also be metaphorically used when talking about being overwhelmed by something.

  • The car was completely submerged in the floodwaters.
  • She felt submerged by the amount of work she had to do.
soaked

Typically used for items or people that are completely wet, usually after being in water. It can have a casual or everyday usage.

  • He came in soaked after walking through the rain.
  • The clothes were soaked after falling into the pool.

Examples of usage

  • The forensic team recovered a waterlogged body from the river.
  • The detectives examined the waterlogged evidence for clues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'waterlogged' combines 'water' and 'logged,' where 'logged' refers to pieces of wood, especially trees, that have become heavy with water.
  • It originated in the mid-19th century, initially describing boats or timber that were filled with water.
  • The term is also used in a metaphorical sense to describe anything overwhelmed or overly burdened, like a mind burdened by too many thoughts.

Environmental Science

  • Waterlogged soils can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the ground, affecting plant growth and root health.
  • Certain plant species, like rice, thrive in waterlogged conditions and have adaptations to survive in such environments.
  • Excessively waterlogged areas can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, contributing to public health issues.

Flooding Impact

  • During heavy rainfall or flooding, infrastructure and buildings can become waterlogged, leading to expensive damage.
  • Flooded areas may suffer from erosion, where the ground structure changes and can lead to additional problems like landslides.
  • Waterlogging post-flooding can also extend recovery time for agriculture, affecting food supplies.

Cultural Reference

  • In literature, waterlogged environments often symbolize overwhelming emotions or situations, reflecting a character's struggles.
  • Movies and songs sometimes use waterlogged landscapes to evoke feelings of sadness or nostalgia.
  • The imagery of a waterlogged place can represent stagnation in personal growth or development.

Agriculture

  • Farmers often monitor soil moisture levels to prevent crops from becoming waterlogged, which can cause rot.
  • Drainage systems are installed in agricultural lands specifically to prevent waterlogging and improve crop yield.
  • Some wetlands are naturally waterlogged but serve crucial ecological roles, helping filter water and provide habitat.

Translations

Translations of the word "waterlogged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encharcado

🇮🇳 जलभराव

🇩🇪 wasserdurchtränkt

🇮🇩 terendam

🇺🇦 затоплений

🇵🇱 przemoczony

🇯🇵 水浸し

🇫🇷 gorgé d'eau

🇪🇸 inundado

🇹🇷 suya doymuş

🇰🇷 물에 잠긴

🇸🇦 مشبع بالماء

🇨🇿 promáčený

🇸🇰 premoknutý

🇨🇳 浸水的

🇸🇮 prepojen z vodo

🇮🇸 vatnsósa

🇰🇿 су жүктелген

🇬🇪 წყლით გაჟღენთილი

🇦🇿 su ilə dolmuş

🇲🇽 inundado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,954, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.