scarring

noun

scar·​ring ˈskär-iŋ 

: the formation or appearance of a scar or of multiple scars on the skin or other bodily tissue after a wound has healed

an injury that resulted in a lot of scarring on his leg

facial/corneal scarring

Overly aggressive facials—especially on people with very sensitive skin or acne—can result in scarring, worsened breakouts and broken capillaries,

—Liz Brody

The redness, scarring, and hyperpigmentation of deep inflammatory acne lesions frequently lessen in two or three years.

—Elizabeth A. Abel et al.

Examples of scarring in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Of the observed whales, 77% displayed scarring caused by human activity, while 58% had injuries attributed to natural causes, researchers said. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025

Whale sharks are seriously hurt Of the sharks observed, 206 had injuries or scarring. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025

The authors suggest several possible factors, from the scarring effects of recessions on job and housing prospects, to declines in health care funding and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025

Over time, that short-term fibrosis can become cirrhosis, or serious permanent scarring. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scarring

• barring
• charring
• jarring
• marring
• sparring
• starring
• tarring
• debarring