B2 adjective Neutral

emission

/ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/

The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation, into the environment. It is most commonly used in environmental science to describe the release of pollutants from vehicles, factories, or natural sources.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My old car failed its yearly emission test because of a hole in the exhaust pipe.

My old car failed its yearly emission test because of a hole in the exhaust pipe.

2

The international treaty requires developed nations to reduce their carbon emission levels significantly by 2030.

The international treaty requires developed nations to reduce their carbon emission levels significantly by 2030.

3

There is a weird heat emission coming from the back of the fridge.

There is a weird heat emission coming from the back of the fridge.

Word Family

Noun
emission
Verb
emit
Adjective
emissive
Related
emitter
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Exit.' An emission is when gas or light 'exits' a source.

Quick Quiz

The government has introduced stricter ___ standards for new diesel trucks.

Correct!

The correct answer is: emission

Examples

1

My old car failed its yearly emission test because of a hole in the exhaust pipe.

everyday

My old car failed its yearly emission test because of a hole in the exhaust pipe.

2

The international treaty requires developed nations to reduce their carbon emission levels significantly by 2030.

formal

The international treaty requires developed nations to reduce their carbon emission levels significantly by 2030.

3

There is a weird heat emission coming from the back of the fridge.

informal

There is a weird heat emission coming from the back of the fridge.

4

Quantitative analysis shows that the emission of greenhouse gases is directly proportional to industrial growth in this region.

academic

Quantitative analysis shows that the emission of greenhouse gases is directly proportional to industrial growth in this region.

5

Our corporate social responsibility report highlights our transition to low-emission manufacturing processes.

business

Our corporate social responsibility report highlights our transition to low-emission manufacturing processes.

Word Family

Noun
emission
Verb
emit
Adjective
emissive
Related
emitter

Common Collocations

carbon emission The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
greenhouse gas emissions Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as methane and CO2.
emission standards Legal requirements governing pollutants released into the atmosphere.
zero-emission An engine or process that emits no waste products that pollute the environment.
toxic emission The release of poisonous substances into the air or water.

Common Phrases

zero-emission vehicle

A vehicle that does not emit exhaust gas from the onboard source of power.

emission trading

A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives.

carbon footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases generated by our actions.

Often Confused With

emission vs omission

An omission is leaving something out, while an emission is letting something out.

emission vs transmission

Transmission refers to the act of sending or passing something (like signals or diseases) from one place to another.

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Usage Notes

While 'emission' is the singular act, it is very common to use the plural 'emissions' when talking about pollutants in a general sense (e.g., 'reducing global emissions'). In technical contexts, it can also refer to the release of light or sound.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'emit' as a noun or 'emission' as a verb. Remember that 'emission' is the thing or process, and 'emit' is the action.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Exit.' An emission is when gas or light 'exits' a source.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'emissio', derived from 'emittere', which means 'to send out' (e- 'out' + mittere 'send').

Grammar Patterns

Used as a countable noun when referring to specific types (e.g., carbon emissions). Often functions as an attributive noun modifying other nouns (e.g., emission levels, emission control).
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Cultural Context

In modern English-speaking cultures, this word is heavily associated with climate change debates and environmental regulations.

Quick Quiz

The government has introduced stricter ___ standards for new diesel trucks.

Correct!

The correct answer is: emission

Related Words

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

at

A1

A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.

but

A1

A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.

his

A1

This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.

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