ozone depletion

Meaning

1. 1noununcountable

   The gradual thinning of the protective ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, mainly caused by human-made chemicals.

   Grammar: Uncountable: no plural and no 'a' before it — 'Ozone depletion has slowed,' not 'Ozone depletions have slowed.'

   Patterns

   • ozone depletion is caused by something
   • the causes of ozone depletion
   • reduce ozone depletion

   Scientists link ozone depletion to chemicals once used in refrigerators and spray cans.

   International agreements have helped slow ozone depletion over Antarctica.

   The hole in the ozone layer is a visible sign of severe ozone depletion.

Common combinations

ozone depletion is caused by

Ozone depletion is caused mainly by chlorine and bromine compounds released into the air.

the effects of ozone depletion

The effects of ozone depletion include higher levels of harmful ultraviolet radiation.

slow down ozone depletion

Banning certain gases helped slow down ozone depletion in the 1990s.

significant ozone depletion

Satellites recorded significant ozone depletion above the polar regions.

ozone depletion over the poles

Ozone depletion over the poles is at its worst in early spring.

Synonyms and how they differ

ozone layer thinning

A descriptive phrase rather than a fixed term; it works in general writing but sounds less technical than 'ozone depletion.'

ozone loss

Shorter and more informal; it often refers to a single measured drop, while 'ozone depletion' suggests an ongoing process.

Opposites

Word family

ozone noun

The gas itself, especially the layer in the upper atmosphere that absorbs ultraviolet light.

deplete verb

To reduce the amount of something greatly, as in 'chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.'

depleted adjective

Having had most of something used up or removed, as in 'a depleted ozone layer.'

depletion noun

The general process of something being used up or reduced, used for resources as well as ozone.

Commonly confused: ozone depletion or global warming? ozone depletion or ozone hole?

Practice

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