B2 noun Neutral

pollution

/pəˈluː.ʃən/

Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful materials into the environment, which can damage the air, water, and land. It is a major global issue that results from human activities like industrial processes, transportation, and waste disposal.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The air pollution in big cities can cause health problems for children.

The presence of dirty air in large urban areas can lead to medical issues for young people.

2

Legislative measures are required to mitigate the impact of industrial pollution on local ecosystems.

New laws are needed to lessen the damage caused by factory waste on nature.

3

This beach is gross; there is so much pollution in the water.

This beach is disgusting because there is a lot of trash and chemicals in the sea.

Word Family

Noun
pollution
Verb
pollute
Adjective
polluted
Related
pollutant
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Pool' of 'Lotion' spilled in a forest; just as lotion doesn't belong on the dirt, pollution is something that doesn't belong in nature.

Quick Quiz

Many species are dying out due to high levels of water ____ in the oceans.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

The air pollution in big cities can cause health problems for children.

everyday

The presence of dirty air in large urban areas can lead to medical issues for young people.

2

Legislative measures are required to mitigate the impact of industrial pollution on local ecosystems.

formal

New laws are needed to lessen the damage caused by factory waste on nature.

3

This beach is gross; there is so much pollution in the water.

informal

This beach is disgusting because there is a lot of trash and chemicals in the sea.

4

Data suggests that atmospheric pollution levels have reached a critical threshold.

academic

Evidence shows that levels of gases in the air have become dangerous.

5

Our company is committed to lowering its levels of chemical pollution through sustainable practices.

business

Our business wants to produce less chemical waste by using environmentally friendly methods.

Word Family

Noun
pollution
Verb
pollute
Adjective
polluted
Related
pollutant

Common Collocations

air pollution dirty air caused by smoke or gases
water pollution contamination of rivers, lakes, or oceans
noise pollution harmful or annoying levels of noise
light pollution excessive artificial light in the night sky
reduce pollution to lower the amount of harmful waste

Common Phrases

visual pollution

unattractive things like billboards that spoil a view

plastic pollution

the accumulation of plastic objects in the environment

thermal pollution

the degradation of water quality by changing its temperature

Often Confused With

pollution vs pollutant

Pollution is the general state or process of being dirty, whereas a pollutant is the specific substance (like oil or plastic) that causes it.

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Usage Notes

Pollution is almost always used as an uncountable noun in English. When you want to talk about specific sources, you use phrases like 'types of pollution' or 'levels of pollution' rather than making the word plural.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

A common error is using 'pollutions' in the plural form. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'polluted' (adjective) with 'pollution' (noun) in sentences requiring a subject.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Pool' of 'Lotion' spilled in a forest; just as lotion doesn't belong on the dirt, pollution is something that doesn't belong in nature.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the late Latin 'pollutio', from the verb 'polluere', meaning 'to soil, defile, or contaminate'.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun Often followed by prepositions 'in' or 'from' Commonly modified by adjectives like 'environmental', 'industrial', or 'heavy'
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Cultural Context

Pollution is a central theme in modern global discussions regarding climate change, government policy, and public health activism.

Quick Quiz

Many species are dying out due to high levels of water ____ in the oceans.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Related Words

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microfluship

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antiponness

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forenumerary

C1

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detangite

C1

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unitangine

C1

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enjectment

C1

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invertite

C1

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malteghood

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