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

Part of the reason is with changing consumer habits and an erosion of brand loyalty, it’s become much harder to reach the sales milestone — let alone to stay there. —Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025

Even without that more extreme step, Mr. Alvarez, the former general counsel, warned that the directive, as written, could lead to an erosion of the Fed’s monetary policy independence indirectly. —Colby Smith, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Conservationists have long advocated for its protection because its shores have faced accretion and erosion over the last few decades. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025

The first Elam ending finish was great, giving us a dramatic (and brief) fix to the All-Star Game’s erosion. —Zach Harper, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing erosion

• gully erosion

Rhymes for erosion

• corrosion
• explosion
• implosion

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