erosion

noun

ero·​sion i-ˈrō-zhən 

1

a

: the action or process of eroding

b

: the state of being eroded

2

: an instance or product of erosion

erosional

i-ˈrō-zh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

erosionally

i-ˈrō-zh(ə-)nəl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms

• attrition
• corrosion
• undermining
• waste

Examples of erosion in a Sentence

Landscapers planted grass to stop the erosion of the hillside.

Centuries of erosion by wind have carved grooves in the rocks.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the Miami Herald, experts have said the sinking condos could be a sign that rising sea levels are accelerating the erosion of the limestone upon which South Florida is built. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

The money is even going to fix coastlines and shorelines to prevent erosion and keep waterways clear for shopping. —Peter Green, Quartz, 14 Dec. 2024

Despite all the mindshare-gobbling distractions of an election year and the ongoing erosion of TV usage, the NFL is on pace to put up its strongest ratings since 2015. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Privacy Concerns Another battleground regarding using AI in the workplace stems from concerns about the potential erosion of privacy. —Daniel Keller, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing erosion

• gully erosion

Kids Definition

erosion

noun

ero·​sion i-ˈrō-zhən 

: the action or process of eroding : the state of being eroded

erosional

-ˈrōzh-nəl 

-ˈrō-zhən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

erosion

noun

ero·​sion i-ˈrō-zhən 

1

a

: the superficial destruction of a surface area of tissue (as mucous membrane) by inflammation, ulceration, or trauma

erosion of the uterine cervix

b

: progressive loss of the hard substance of a tooth

2

: an instance or product of erosion

a circular erosion on the skin