human interference

Meaning

1. 1noununcountable

   the act of people getting involved in or affecting a natural process, system, or situation, often in a way that changes it

   Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun: 'Human interference has increased.' Do not use 'a' or a plural form.

   Patterns

   • human interference in something
   • human interference with something
   • cause human interference

   Scientists are studying how human interference affects the migration of whales.

   The forest has remained largely untouched by human interference for centuries.

   Too much human interference in the breeding area can cause the birds to abandon their nests.

Common combinations

human interference in something

The report criticized human interference in the region's politics.

human interference with something

Human interference with the river's flow has damaged the wetlands.

minimal human interference

The island's wildlife has developed with minimal human interference.

reduce human interference

New rules aim to reduce human interference in protected areas.

Synonyms and how they differ

human intervention

This often suggests a deliberate, helpful action, while 'human interference' usually suggests an unwanted or harmful effect.

meddling

This is more informal and disapproving, and it does not have to involve humans affecting nature.

Opposites

Word family

interfere verb

to get involved in something in a way that is not wanted

interference noun

the act of interfering, or unwanted disturbance

interfering adjective

describing someone who often gets involved in other people's business

Commonly confused: human interference or intervention?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “human interference”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words