erosive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "erosive" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something that wears away gradually, such as a river eroding the land it flows through. For example, "The erosive power of the river had slowly eaten away the foundation of the bridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Even after the construction of bridges and other projects designed to minimize erosion, Mr. Greenwald said, heavy trafficking of erosive soil around Bear Creek causes sediments to fill pools that are vital to cutthroat trout survival.

The New York Times

The dominant model for several decades was developed and widely disseminated by William Morris Davis, who conceived an idealized normal cycle of erosion in temperate climatic regions involving the erosive power of running water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the lining of the well below the surface has been weakened, either by the initial blowout or by the erosive power of the millions of barrels of oil that have flowed through since, that increase in pressure could cause the well to spring a leak below the seabed, letting oil and gas escape out into the sediments through which the well is drilled.

The Economist

By monitoring this fresh crater, researchers will be able to watch the process of space weathering the erosive effect of radiation and tiny meteorite strikes in action.

The Economist

The erosive effect of American media on more traditional values is well understood among those facing the onslaught, if not by The Economist.

The Economist

It is flat, strewn with rounded pebbles and appears to be a dry riverbed.On Earth, or even on Mars, drainage channels and rounded pebbles would be taken as evidence for the erosive effects of liquid water.

The Economist

Rivers running westward acquired tremendous erosive power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The basins that lie between the mountains are filled with younger sediments that were formed chiefly by the erosive action of the area's rivers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the highest part of the Apennines there are traces of the erosive action of the glaciers of the last Ice Age, although, unlike the Alps, contemporary glaciers are lacking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the block was uplifted the abrupt, east-facing escarpment was cut into by the erosive action of wind, rain, temperature change, frost, and ice, and a series of steep-gradient canyons developed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Extensive damage is caused both by their own activities and by the assistance they give to the erosive action of the sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a force on a surface or material, use "erosive" to highlight the gradual wearing away over time, as opposed to an immediate destructive impact.

Common error

Avoid using "erosive" when you mean a sudden, destructive event. "Erosive" suggests a gradual process, not an instantaneous one.

Linguistic Context

The word "erosive" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that causes or pertains to erosion, or has a gradually destructive effect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

42%

News & Media

39%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "erosive" accurately describes something that gradually wears away or destroys. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in encyclopedic and news contexts, "erosive" characterizes both physical processes, like the "erosive action of rivers", and abstract concepts, such as the "erosive effect of American media". When writing, remember that "erosive" implies a gradual process. Consider alternatives like "corroding" or "destructive" based on the specific context. Overall, "erosive" is a versatile word with a distinct meaning, which helps convey nuanced meanings related to degradation and gradual wearing away.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eating away

A phrasal verb that vividly describes gradual erosion.

corroding

Focuses specifically on chemical breakdown and wearing away.

gradually destructive

Emphasizes both the gradual nature and harmful effects.

abrasive

Highlights the wearing down through friction or rubbing.

destructive

Emphasizes the damaging and ruinous qualities.

wearing

Simple and direct, indicating gradual deterioration.

degrading

Implies a lowering in quality or strength over time.

consuming

Suggests a gradual using up or depletion.

undermining

Focuses on weakening the base or foundation.

attenuating

Highlights the thinning or weakening effect.

FAQs

How can I use "erosive" in a sentence?

You can use "erosive" to describe something that gradually wears away or destroys something else, such as "the "erosive effect of water" on the riverbanks" or "the "erosive impact of the media" on traditional values".

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

"Erosive" generally refers to the gradual wearing away of something by natural agents like water or wind, while "corrosive" typically describes the gradual destruction of a substance (especially a metal) by chemical reactions. Both involve gradual degradation, but "corrosive" is specific to chemical action.

What can I say instead of "erosive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "abrasive", "destructive", "corroding", or "degrading".

Is "erosive" only used to describe physical processes?

No, "erosive" can also be used metaphorically to describe processes that gradually weaken or undermine something non-physical, such as "the "erosive effect of doubt" on their relationship".