erosion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'erosion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the gradual destruction or diminishment of something, to describe the process of being worn away by the action of water or wind, or to describe a gradual decline in something. For example: "The erosion of the cliffs by the ocean's waves was clearly visible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Over recent decades, technological change, globalization and an erosion of the institutions and practices that support shared prosperity in the U.S. have put the middle class under increasing stress.

The New York Times

Projects to stop erosion eat through dollars almost as quickly.

The Guardian - Travel

As the governor of a state regarded as the hotbed for hurricanes and coastal erosion, Bush fought against drilling off the Florida coast and launched a massive Everglades restoration project.

The Guardian

At the moment our economy is caught up in a political system which is very hierarchical, counter democratic, where we've seen an erosion of democracy for a whole range of reasons.

The Guardian

The rest of the Square Mile has witnessed the gradual erosion of the public realm as the corporation gave the go-ahead to the patchwork of private estates which have taken over since the 1980s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under Abdullah, Saudi Arabia sent billions of dollars in aid to Egypt after Sisi toppled the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi in 2013, in a bid to ensure the longterm erosion of the Brotherhood's regional influence.

The Guardian

The resulting Profumo affair heralded the fall of Harold Macmillan's Tory government, and with it a substantial erosion of the deference shown to the upper classes.

The Guardian

Diane Coyle, the outgoing vice-chairman of the BBC Trust, has called for an end to the top-slicing of the licence fee and warned against the further erosion of the BBC's independence by parliament.

The Guardian

Conversely, we project limited generic erosion for Advair from generics.

The Guardian - Business

From coastal erosion, to circle theorems, to salt crystalisation: we flit between subjects.

The Guardian

The farmers say the pipeline caused severe soil erosion and sedimentation of fields and water sources, reduced vegetation coverage and areas for pasture, and blocked water sources, significantly reducing the productivity of their farms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental issues, use "erosion" to specifically describe the wearing away of land or soil. For abstract concepts, consider synonyms like "decline" or "deterioration" for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "erosion" when "corrosion" is more appropriate. "Erosion" primarily refers to the wearing away of earth, while "corrosion" describes the deterioration of metals or other materials through chemical reactions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "erosion" is that of a noun. It commonly acts as the subject or object in sentences describing processes of wearing away, decline, or degradation. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "erosion" functions primarily as a noun and is used to describe processes of wearing away or decline across various contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in both physical and abstract applications. While grammatically sound, writers should avoid confusing "erosion" with "corrosion", particularly in scientific contexts. The term is frequently found in news, science, and business sources, reflecting its broad applicability. Related concepts include "wearing away" and "gradual decline". Overall, "erosion" is a versatile term for describing gradual loss or deterioration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wearing away

Focuses on the physical process of gradual removal or diminishment by friction or force.

gradual decline

Emphasizes the slow and steady decrease or deterioration of something over time.

deterioration

Highlights the process of becoming progressively worse.

degradation

Refers to the decline to a lower quality or condition.

attrition

Implies a gradual reduction in number or strength because of constant stress.

consumption

Suggests a using up or wasting away of something.

diminution

Highlights the act or process of becoming smaller or less.

dissolution

Focuses on the breaking up or dissolving of something.

undermining

Highlights a weakening or destructive process, often gradual and insidious.

collapse

Emphasizes a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

FAQs

How can I use "erosion" in a sentence?

You can use "erosion" to describe the wearing away of land by natural forces, or the gradual decline of something. For example, "Coastal "erosion" is a serious threat to many communities" or "The "erosion" of trust in government is a major concern".

What are some synonyms for "erosion"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "decline", "deterioration", "wearing away", or "degradation" as alternatives to "erosion".

Is it correct to use "erosion" in a political context?

Yes, "erosion" can be used metaphorically in a political context to describe the gradual loss of power, rights, or freedoms. For example, "the "erosion" of civil liberties".

What causes soil erosion?

Soil "erosion" can be caused by various factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, intensive agriculture, and climate change. These activities leave the soil vulnerable to being washed or blown away.