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

• attrition
• corrosion
• undermining
• waste

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

Many people who have loved avoidant partners describe the same slow erosion of self-esteem. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Amid the ongoing attacks on reproductive rights in Florida, these efforts to restrict our voting rights feel like yet another erosion of our fundamental rights. —Carolina Wassmer, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2025

The erosion of traditional alliances and the volatility of U.S. messaging create diplomatic space for Beijing to present itself as a more stable economic partner. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

This geological uplift, a consequence of the interactions of the tectonic plates, outpaces sea-level rise in many areas, so the PNW has been relatively shielded from effects such as extreme flooding events or coastal erosion. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 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