pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: the action of polluting

especially : the action of making an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use by introducing man-made waste

Abandoned mining and milling operations are already implicated in pollution of the river with toxic and radioactive waste products …

—Larry Brown

b

: the condition of being polluted

A three-year study … has indicated that the lake already is suffering from severe pollution and that any additional development will exacerbate it.

—Anthony DePalma

2

: something that pollutes

especially : something (such as man-made waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use

tested the levels of pollution [=pollutants] in the water

Examples of pollution in a Sentence

industrial practices that have caused pollution of the air and water

The tests showed high levels of pollution in the water.

The fish are dying of pollution.

Recent Examples on the Web

In legal filings, the companies argue that air and water pollution are regulated at the federal level and they can't be challenged in state courts. —John Frank, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025

There are also concerns about the environmental impact of penny production, given the carbon dioxide emissions, pollution and energy use associated with mining their main ingredients, zinc and copper. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 Feb. 2025

While the cause remains unknown, experts believe pollution from companies exploiting natural resources could be to blame. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Corporate pressure on the EPA was considerable under Biden as his administration attempted to tackle climate pollution. —Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pollution

• light pollution
• noise pollution
• thermal pollution

Kids Definition

pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

: the action of polluting : the state of being polluted

air pollution

compare noise pollution, thermal pollution

2

: pollutant

Medical Definition

pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

: the action of polluting or the condition of being polluted

2

: something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use : pollutant