A2noun1K

Pollution

UK /["/pəˈluːʃn/"]/US /["/pəˈluːʃn/"]/

Definition

the process of making air, water, soil, etc. dirty; the state of being dirty

In simple words: Dirty things in the air, water, or land that make them unhealthy.

Examples

  • The pollution in the city has made the air quality very poor.
  • They introduced new laws to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans.
  • Many species are threatened because of pollution in their natural habitats.
  • The factory's waste was a major source of water pollution in the nearby river.
  • We can help fight pollution by recycling and using less plastic.

Usage notes

Used in discussions about the environment or health. Avoid in casual chats unless discussing related issues. More common in scientific or media contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think 'polluted air' — when air is 'full' of harmful stuff, it's polluted.

Collocations

  • air
  • atmospheric
  • environmental
  • cause
  • create
  • emit
  • level
  • abatement
  • control
  • the cost of pollution
  • the effects of pollution
  • a risk of pollution
  • air
  • atmospheric
  • environmental
  • cause
  • create
  • emit
  • level
  • abatement
  • control
  • the cost of pollution
  • the effects of pollution
  • a risk of pollution
  • air
  • atmospheric
  • environmental
  • cause
  • create
  • emit
  • level
  • abatement
  • control
  • the cost of pollution
  • the effects of pollution
  • a risk of pollution

Synonyms

  • contamination
  • taint
  • degradation
  • defilement
  • hazard

Antonyms

  • purity
  • cleanliness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'pollute,' which is the verb form.
  • Using it in singular when it can refer to multiple types or instances.
  • Overgeneralizing; for example, saying all bad things are pollution.