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

However, just like other parts of the country and the world, Santa Barbara has also been impacted by the effects of climate change, like rising sea levels, coastal erosion, landslides, changes in rainfall patterns, and wildfires. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2024

There has been a very obvious erosion in that kind of culture, in Whole Foods, there were a lot of democratic practices, made people's engagement with work beneficial to them. —Errol Schweizer, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Its roots stretch over 10 feet deep, enabling it to survive prolonged droughts, improve soil health and prevent erosion. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

This happens over a long season, and the erosion of talent can’t be dismissed as a possible reason. —Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 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