Meaning & use
emissions
Last updated
Meanings
nounplural
Gases or other substances released into the air, especially by vehicles, factories, or power plants.
Grammar: Almost always used in the plural when talking about pollution; the singular 'emission' refers to a single release or to the act of releasing.
Patterns
- emissions from something
- reduce emissions
- carbon emissions
The new law aims to cut emissions from cars and trucks.
Factories must report their emissions to the government.
Scientists warn that global emissions are still rising.
noununcountabletechnical
The act of sending out light, heat, sound, or gas.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun when referring to the process: 'the emission of light'.
Patterns
- the emission of something
The emission of harmful fumes from the plant was monitored closely.
The device controls the emission of radiation.
Word forms
| singular | emission |
|---|
Common combinations
- carbon emissions
- Many countries have pledged to reduce carbon emissions.
- greenhouse gas emissions
- Greenhouse gas emissions are a major cause of climate change.
- reduce emissions
- We need to reduce emissions to meet our climate goals.
- cut emissions
- The company plans to cut emissions by 50% over the next decade.
- vehicle emissions
- Vehicle emissions contribute to urban air pollution.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
Commonly confused: emissions or emission?
emissions vs emission
Singular form; use 'emission' for one release or the process, and 'emissions' for the gases themselves, especially in environmental contexts.
Practice
The government has introduced new rules to limit ___ from factories.
Choose one answer.
'Emissions' is the plural noun used for pollutants released into the air. 'Emission' (singular) would sound odd here because we are talking about multiple releases over time. 'Emissive' is an adjective, and 'emit' is a verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “emissions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.