desertification
gb/dɪsˈɚtɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/dɪsˈɚtɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
C1
process
1
land becoming desert-like
the process in which good land becomes too dry and damaged to grow plants or crops
Usage pattern:
desertification of [land/areas/regions]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse desertification with desertion, which means leaving someone or something. Desertification is a process affecting land, not the existence of a desert itself.
Synonyms
land degradation (broader term for a decline in land quality, not always involving desert-like conditions)
|
dryland degradation (more technical term, especially for damage in already dry regions)
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aridification (emphasizes becoming drier, especially through climate change)
Antonyms
land restoration (the process of improving damaged land rather than degrading it)
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revegetation (the return or replanting of vegetation on damaged land)
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reforestation (a specific form of restoration involving planting trees)
Collocations
combat desertification
|prevent desertification
|reverse desertification
|accelerate desertification
|desertification of farmland
|land desertification
|soil degradation and desertification
|drought and desertification
|risk of desertification
|causes of desertification
Themes
environment
|climate_change
|geography
|agriculture
|ecology
Examples
- Overgrazing and repeated drought have increased desertification in parts of the region.
- The report warns that climate change could speed up desertification in already dry areas.
- Planting trees and improving irrigation can help slow desertification.
Learner examples
- Desertification makes farmland too dry to grow crops.
- Many countries are trying to stop desertification.
Grammar
Dictionary form
desertification
IPA
GB/dɪsˈɚtɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/dɪsˈɚtɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
deser - ti - fic - a - tion (5 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ti)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: desertification
- Plural: desertifications
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.