Pollution Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpɒlʊʃən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The introduction of harmful or undesirable substances into the environment, such as air, water, or soil, as a result of human activity or natural processes, causing damage to the environment, human health, and human well-being.

Examples

• The increase in pollution in the city is causing respiratory problems for its residents.
• The factory’s pollution was causing harm to the surrounding ecosystem.

Synonyms

• Contamination
• Toxicity

Antonyms

• Purity
• Cleanliness

Additional Information

Pollution is a major global problem, with effects on the environment, human health, and the economy. It can arise from a variety of sources, including industrial activities, transportation, and consumer waste. Governments and organizations are working to reduce pollution and promote sustainable development.

Pollution can take many forms, including air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution. Air pollution can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, while water pollution can harm aquatic life and contaminate the food chain. Soil pollution can contaminate crops and affect agricultural productivity.

Etymology

The word “pollution” comes from the Latin “pollutio,” meaning defilement or contamination.

Usage Notes

Pollution is often used to describe specific types of pollution, such as air pollution, water pollution, or soil pollution.

Cultural References

Pollution has been a theme in many films, TV shows, and literature, including the classic novel “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck and the film “Erin Brockovich.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Pollution has spawned idiomatic expressions such as “polluting the air,” “polluting the water,” and “polluting the soil.”

Related Words or Phrases

• Contaminate
• Toxic
• Pesticide

Collocations

• Pollution control measures
• Pollution reduction strategies
• Pollution-free environment

Frequency of Use

Pollution is a term that is widely used in modern language, with an average frequency of use consistent with other general vocabulary words.

Common Misspellings

• Poullution
• Polution
• Polituion