debris

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "debris" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the scattered remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up. For example, "The debris from the demolished building covered the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Emergency services said on Friday the decision had been made because of the danger posed by flying debris in the predicted strong winds.

The Guardian

Nearby, the men had amassed a pile of ash-grey debris, from which a single pink high heel protruded.

The Guardian

With eyes watering in the sharp wind, it was a relief to shelter under a high bank by the river, where dog violet, barren strawberry and thyme clung to the crumbly debris.

The Guardian

Cook will not be going to the Caribbean and has two months to sift the debris of a disastrous tour and work also on his batting after a mediocre return in both formats.

The Guardian - Sport

As part of the search for a compromise, the president invited to the White House for talks next week the most senior Republican leader left standing amid the election debris, House Speaker John Boehner, and other Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress.

The Guardian

Also, Mumbai is a developing city, and all the debris from buildings being knocked down needs to go somewhere".

The Guardian

The problem is that these debris dumps lay the ground for illegal reclamation of land, in flagrant violation of a law restricting construction on coastal areas.

The Guardian

The strewn debris and broken rocks round our feet marked its route.

The Guardian - Travel

When the Airbus 320 crashed in a remote, rocky ravine, the impact was so forceful that it left only small pieces of debris and bodies scattered over two hectares.

The Guardian

Later she reported that she could see three bodies of monks who had been trapped in the debris of a collapsed building.

The Guardian

Those celebrations were interrupted as objects rained down upon them, Branislav Ivanovic struck on the neck by a cigarette lighter, with plastic bottles and coins among the other debris flung at them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene of destruction, use "debris" to create a vivid image of scattered remnants. For example, "The tornado left a trail of debris across the town."

Common error

While both terms refer to waste, "debris" often implies remains of destruction or human activity, whereas "detritus" more commonly refers to naturally occurring organic waste. Be mindful of the context to choose the appropriate term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "debris" is as a noun, typically used to describe scattered remnants of destruction or waste material. Ludwig AI examples showcase its application in describing physical remnants.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "debris" functions as a noun describing scattered remains or wreckage. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It's grammatically sound, frequently used, and versatile enough for news, scientific, and formal settings.

Synonyms include "rubble", "wreckage", and "litter", each carrying slightly different connotations. It is essential to differentiate "debris" from "detritus", as the latter usually implies organic, naturally-occurring waste.

To use "debris" effectively, visualize scenes of destruction and scattering. The word serves to vividly portray disorder and decay, adding a layer of detail to descriptions. Keep this in mind to use it appropriately and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rubble

Focuses specifically on the broken fragments of solid materials, often from buildings.

wreckage

Emphasizes the remains of something that has been severely damaged or destroyed.

remnants

Highlights the remaining parts of something that is left after a loss or destruction.

litter

Refers to scattered rubbish or waste, often in a public place.

detritus

Describes waste or debris of any kind, often in a natural environment.

remains

General term for what is left behind.

fragments

Focuses on broken pieces or parts of something.

rubbish

A general term for unwanted waste or trash.

junk

Describes items that are considered useless or of little value.

waste

General term for unwanted or unusable materials.

FAQs

How can I use "debris" in a sentence?

You can use "debris" to describe scattered remnants after destruction, like "The earthquake left a large amount of "rubble" and debris in the city streets."

What are some synonyms for "debris"?

Synonyms for "debris" include "wreckage", "rubble", "litter", and "detritus", each with slightly different connotations depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "debris" to describe space junk?

Yes, "debris" is commonly used to refer to "space junk", such as defunct satellites and fragments from collisions in orbit.

What's the difference between "debris" and "rubble"?

"Rubble" specifically refers to broken fragments of solid materials, especially from buildings, while "debris" is a broader term that can include any scattered remains or waste, whether or not they are from buildings.