erosion
Erosion is the process by which the surface of the earth is worn away by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice. In a figurative sense, it refers to the gradual destruction or reduction of something abstract, such as power, rights, or confidence.
Examples
3 of 5Soil erosion is a major problem for farmers after heavy rainfall.
The wearing away of the ground surface is a big issue for farmers after it rains a lot.
The report highlights the coastal erosion occurring along the eastern seaboard.
The document points out the wearing away of the shoreline happening on the east coast.
You can see the erosion on these old steps; they used to be much sharper.
You can notice how these old stairs have been worn down; they were once more defined.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an 'Eraser'. Just as an eraser rubs away pencil marks bit by bit, 'erosion' rubs away the land or your confidence bit by bit.
Quick Quiz
The continuous crashing of waves against the cliffs led to significant coastal _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: erosion
Examples
Soil erosion is a major problem for farmers after heavy rainfall.
everydayThe wearing away of the ground surface is a big issue for farmers after it rains a lot.
The report highlights the coastal erosion occurring along the eastern seaboard.
formalThe document points out the wearing away of the shoreline happening on the east coast.
You can see the erosion on these old steps; they used to be much sharper.
informalYou can notice how these old stairs have been worn down; they were once more defined.
Academic studies show a correlation between deforestation and accelerated soil erosion.
academicScientific research indicates a link between clearing forests and faster loss of topsoil.
Management is concerned about the erosion of our market share by newer competitors.
businessThe leaders are worried about the gradual loss of our portion of the market to new rivals.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the erosion of power
the gradual loss of authority or control
gradual erosion
a slow and steady process of wearing down
combat erosion
to fight against or try to stop environmental damage
Often Confused With
Corrosion is a chemical process (like rust eating metal), while erosion is a mechanical process (like water moving soil).
Weathering breaks rocks down in place; erosion involves the movement or transport of that broken material.
Usage Notes
Use 'erosion' when talking about physical landscapes (rocks, soil) or abstract concepts that are slowly disappearing (rights, standards, profits). It almost always implies a negative or destructive process.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'erosion' to describe sudden destruction; however, it specifically refers to a slow, gradual process over time.
Memory Tip
Think of an 'Eraser'. Just as an eraser rubs away pencil marks bit by bit, 'erosion' rubs away the land or your confidence bit by bit.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'erodere', which means 'to gnaw away' or 'to consume'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The continuous crashing of waves against the cliffs led to significant coastal _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: erosion
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