anthropogenic

adjective

an·​thro·​po·​gen·​ic ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈje-nik 

: of, relating to, or resulting from the influence of human beings on nature

anthropogenic pollutants

anthropogenically

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈje-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of anthropogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement Of course, anthropogenic factors, while significant, amount to relatively little compared to the natural interplay of wind, water, and temperature that fosters storms. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 5 Sep. 2025

This is likely because the event occurred at about one-tenth the rate of current anthropogenic climate change. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025

For thousands of years before colonization, both anthropogenic (human-caused) and natural fire were common and vital to nearly all North American landscapes. —River Selby august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025

For example, states can be concretely obliged to maintain an inventory of anthropogenic [greenhouse gas] emissions or to reduce [greenhouse gas] emissions by a certain percentage. —Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

anthropo- + -genic

First Known Use

circa 1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anthropogenic

• angiogenic
• atherogenic
• carcinogenic
• cardiogenic
• embryogenic
• iatrogenic
• immunogenic
• metallogenic
• methanogenic
• nonpathogenic
• odontogenic
• osteogenic

Medical Definition

anthropogenic

adjective

an·​thro·​po·​gen·​ic -pə-ˈjen-ik 

: of, relating to, or resulting from the influence of human beings on nature

anthropogenic sources of pollution