corrosive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "corrosive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a type of substance that has the ability to cause damage or deterioration, usually to another substance. For example, "The acid in the sulfuric acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe damage to metal surfaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He took it as a personal affront the last time he was removed from the team and, whether it is true or not that he was the instigator of all those corrosive dressing-room leaks, the memory still lingers of José Mourinho's first day back at Chelsea and his change in body language when I asked him about the consequences and rancour of favouring Diego López.

The Guardian - Sport

Even in The Crucible – a call to arms against the corrosive madness of Senator Joe McCarthy's un-American activities investigations – the action turns on the determination of Abigail Williams to destroy Elizabeth Proctor, whose husband she hopes to marry.

The Guardian

Reading week after week that he has more ability than the incumbent and is more likely to win the election is bound to have a corrosive effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have myself witnessed repeated instances where there has been a denial of responsibility, corrosive suspicion, deliberate delay and a practice of hiding behind values in order to deflect or stifle criticism and protect self-interest.

The Guardian - Business

Let us not forget that the real reason for Ukip's corrosive rise is the perceived collective failure of our political classes, not that party's ragtag collection of policies.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rebound offers the first ray of light in a nation that to a great degree has been rendered unrecognisable by the corrosive effects of austerity.

The Guardian

A strong – for a long time successful but ultimately corrosive – cabal held sway in the England dressing room while Clarke remained the dominant force in the boardroom.

The Guardian - Sport

Baird said he was a supporter of using public funding to pay for political campaigns, "as a mechanism to expunge the corrosive culture of political donations".

The Guardian

This will have a corrosive effect.

The Guardian

When it looks like a ploy to divert the public's attention, too much talk can be corrosive, harming civil society and eroding trust in public institutions exactly when it is most needed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As with a VHTR, the other advantages of a gas coolant, says Tom Wei, a senior engineer at Argonne, include its non-corrosive characteristics and its capacity for use at high temperatures (the GFR would operate at around 850{degree}C).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "corrosive", ensure you clearly specify what is being corroded or the target of the damage to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify if you are referring to "corrosive" chemicals or the "corrosive" effects of criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "corrosive" too loosely in abstract contexts without sufficient justification. While it can describe damaging effects on relationships or societies, ensure the metaphor is apt and not merely a dramatic embellishment. Consider alternatives like "damaging" or "detrimental" if the image of gradual erosion doesn't precisely fit.

Linguistic Context

The word "corrosive" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that gradually destroys or damages a substance or abstract entity. Ludwig AI confirms its adjectival nature and widespread usage. For example, one might speak of "corrosive" chemicals or the "corrosive" effects of certain policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "corrosive" is an adjective used to describe something that causes gradual damage or decay. It is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. Ludwig AI supports this, indicating it's a widely recognized and accepted term. Related phrases include "destructive", "erosive", and "deleterious", each sharing the core concept of causing harm but with slightly different nuances. When using "corrosive", clarity is key, specifying the target of the corrosion for better understanding. While its metaphorical use is valid, avoid overuse in abstract contexts without a clear connection to the gradual erosion it implies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erosive

Highlights the gradual wearing away of something, similar to "corrosive", but often used in a physical context.

pernicious

Implies a subtle and gradual harmful effect, often unseen, similar to the slow degradation caused by something "corrosive".

cankering

Suggests a gradual and insidious process of decay or corruption, similar to the long-term effects of something "corrosive".

destructive

Focuses on the result of causing destruction, implying a more direct and immediate action than "corrosive".

degenerative

Relates to a decline in quality or function, often associated with biological or physical processes, akin to the gradual breakdown caused by a "corrosive" agent.

detrimental

Indicates a negative impact or consequence, more general than the specific action of "corrosive".

deleterious

Emphasizes the harmful or damaging effect on health or well-being, broader than the specific action of "corrosive".

harmful

A broad term indicating something that causes damage or injury, less specific than the gradual wearing away implied by "corrosive".

undermining

Stresses the weakening or destabilizing of something, often used in the context of trust or authority, and lacks the chemical or physical dimension of "corrosive".

virulent

Focuses on the rapid and severe spread of something harmful, differing from the gradual effect of "corrosive".

FAQs

How can "corrosive" be used in a sentence?

You can use "corrosive" to describe substances that erode materials, as in, "The acid was highly corrosive." It can also describe abstract concepts, like, "The constant criticism had a corrosive effect on their relationship."

What words are similar to "corrosive"?

Alternatives to "corrosive" include "destructive", "erosive", "deleterious", or "undermining", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "corrosive" relationship?

Yes, "corrosive relationship" is correct. It describes a relationship that is gradually damaging or destructive to the individuals involved. The metaphor extends the chemical meaning of "corrosive" to describe emotional or interpersonal decay.

What's the difference between "corrosive" and "toxic"?

"Corrosive" implies a gradual wearing away or erosion, whether physical or metaphorical, while "toxic" suggests poisoning or harm caused by a harmful substance or influence. Something "toxic" is often immediately harmful, while something "corrosive" causes damage over time.