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 of erosion

• corrosion

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

Another bout of brutal heat and energy-sapping humidity socked Southern California on Thursday, continuing what has been a remarkably muggy summer that’s brought wildfires, coastal erosion, record-breaking temperatures and general misery. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The real worry is that, just as with Time and Newsweek, the destruction of the 60 Minutes brand will come not from a sudden collapse but a gradual erosion, in both quality and ratings. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026

Drones can support collection of highly detailed imagery, topography and even information about internal erosion. — Kaleigh Yost, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

The team has also seen a steady erosion of forward depth since reaching back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025. — Janson Duench, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

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