erosion
gradual loss of something non-physical
A slow and steady loss or weakening of something that you cannot touch, like trust, rights, or support.
erosion of [abstract noun]
- There has been a steady erosion of trust in public institutions over the past decade.
- Activists warned that the new security laws would lead to an erosion of civil liberties.
- Shareholders are worried about the erosion of confidence in the company’s leadership.
- Some voters see the policy as part of a wider erosion of democratic norms.
- High inflation is causing a gradual erosion of people’s savings.
- There is an erosion of trust between the two countries.
- New rules caused an erosion of workers’ rights.
- People are angry about the erosion of their freedom.
- The scandal led to an erosion of public confidence.
- Many fear the erosion of democracy in the region.
wearing away of land by natural forces
The slow wearing away and removal of soil or rock by water, wind, or ice.
erosion of [land/soil/rock/coastline]
- Heavy rainfall has caused severe soil erosion on the hillside.
- The village is at risk because of rapid coastal erosion.
- Farmers planted trees to reduce wind erosion on their fields.
- River erosion has created deep valleys in this region.
- Poor land management can speed up erosion and lead to landslides.
- The storm caused a lot of soil erosion.
- Coastal erosion is a big problem for this town.
- Trees help to slow down erosion.
- Strong wind can cause erosion of dry soil.
- Good farming methods can prevent erosion of the land.
wearing away of tissue or teeth
A medical problem where part of the body or a tooth slowly wears away or is lost.
erosion of [tissue/tooth enamel]
- The dentist found early signs of enamel erosion on his front teeth.
- Stomach acid can cause erosion of the lining of the esophagus.
- Long-term use of the medication may lead to gastric erosion.
- Acidic drinks are a common cause of tooth erosion in young adults.
- The endoscopy showed multiple small areas of mucosal erosion.
- The doctor is worried about erosion of the stomach lining.
- She has tooth erosion from drinking too many soft drinks.
- The dentist wants to stop the erosion of his enamel.
- They used a camera to look for erosion inside the stomach.
- The medicine protects the body from erosion by acid.
- Base: erosion
- Plural: erosion, erosions
coastal erosion
1wearing away of coastlines
The slow loss of beaches and land next to the sea because of waves and water movement.
- The town is building sea walls to slow coastal erosion.
- Scientists say coastal erosion will increase with rising sea levels.
coastal erosion
1shoreline worn away
when the sea slowly removes land from the coast
- Coastal erosion has threatened several homes on the cliff.
- The council is building sea defenses to slow coastal erosion.
erosion of civil liberties
1gradual loss of basic freedoms
The slow loss or reduction of important rights and freedoms for people.
- Many citizens are worried about the erosion of civil liberties in the name of security.
- The new bill has been criticized for contributing to the erosion of civil liberties.
erosion of confidence
1slow loss of confidence
The slow and steady loss of confidence in a person, plan, or organization.
- Delays in the project have led to an erosion of confidence among investors.
- There is a clear erosion of confidence in the leadership team.
erosion of democracy
1gradual weakening of democracy
The slow weakening or loss of democratic rules, freedoms, and systems in a country.
- Critics warn of an erosion of democracy under the new government.
- Journalists have raised concerns about the erosion of democracy in the region.
erosion of trust
1slow loss of trust
The slow and steady loss of trust in a person, group, or system.
- Repeated lies led to an erosion of trust between the company and its customers.
- The scandal caused a serious erosion of trust in the government.
soil erosion
1wearing away and loss of soil
The slow loss and movement of soil from land because of water or wind.
- Planting trees on hillsides helps to reduce soil erosion.
- Soil erosion has made the farmland less productive.
water erosion
1soil or rock removed by water
The slow wearing away and movement of soil or rock by rain, rivers, or waves.
- Terraces on hillsides can help reduce water erosion.
- The canyon was formed over millions of years by water erosion.
wind erosion
1soil or sand removed by wind
The slow movement and loss of soil or sand from land because of strong winds.
- Dry, open fields are especially vulnerable to wind erosion.
- Farmers use cover crops to protect against wind erosion.