deforestation

noun

de·​for·​es·​ta·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən 

-ˌfär-

: the action or process of clearing of forests

also : the state of having been cleared of forests

Examples of deforestation in a Sentence

the deforestation of the island

Recent Examples on the Web

Cattle emit methane, a potent heat-trapping gas, during digestion and livestock farming drives deforestation in vulnerable areas. —Royson Valliyil, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025

The former prohibits placing products linked to deforestation or forest degradation—such as leather and rubber—on the EU market. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025

However, an analysis by the carbon rating company Calyx Global found that while the arena’s credits may prevent some deforestation, the numbers likely overstate the benefits. —Brian P. McCullough, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025

But countries failed to agree to a roadmap away from fossil fuels, and there were no explicit commitments on deforestation or funding pledges. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deforestation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

deforestation

noun

de·​for·​es·​ta·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən 

-ˌfär-

: the action or process of clearing an area of forests

also : the state of having been cleared of forests

deforest

(ˈ)dē-ˈfȯr-əst 

-ˈfär-

verb