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

Wildfires can lead to severe land damage, posing risks like erosion, flooding and infrastructure harm. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025

Water ran off too quickly, erosion stripped the land, and his plants struggled to survive. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025

The erosion of glacial slopes also heightens the likelihood of floods, landslides and avalanches, increasing the risk to millions living in mountain communities. —Kathleen Magramo and Esha Mitra, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025

Long-term use of high-dose vitamin C may cause additional problems, like tooth enamel erosion and allergic reactions.5 Large amounts of vitamin C may also contribute to kidney stones. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 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