pollution
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 5The 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.
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.
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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
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
The air pollution in big cities can cause health problems for children.
everydayThe presence of dirty air in large urban areas can lead to medical issues for young people.
Legislative measures are required to mitigate the impact of industrial pollution on local ecosystems.
formalNew laws are needed to lessen the damage caused by factory waste on nature.
This beach is gross; there is so much pollution in the water.
informalThis beach is disgusting because there is a lot of trash and chemicals in the sea.
Data suggests that atmospheric pollution levels have reached a critical threshold.
academicEvidence shows that levels of gases in the air have become dangerous.
Our company is committed to lowering its levels of chemical pollution through sustainable practices.
businessOur business wants to produce less chemical waste by using environmentally friendly methods.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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 is the general state or process of being dirty, whereas a pollutant is the specific substance (like oil or plastic) that causes it.
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
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
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