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

• 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

The consequences can be severe: regulatory violations, data leakage, brand erosion and even systemic model failures. —Abhi Sharma, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Earnings per share growth has plummeted, with further erosion projected due to elevated costs and discounting pressures. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025

For as far as the eye can see, the Colorado Plateau provides visitors with such otherworldly geography to explore, sculpted by ancient seas, tectonic uplift and erosion throughout millions of years. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025

After a tumultuous year and an erosion of customer trust, Boeing’s turnaround now appears to be progressing. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 30 July 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