Meaning & use
pollution
The presence of harmful or unwanted substances in the environment, causing damage to air, water, land, or living things.
See it in a sentence
Air pollution in the city worsens noticeably during the hot summer months.
Factories along the river were fined for years of illegal water pollution.
A note on using this word
Pollution refers broadly to any environmental contamination, while 'contamination' can also describe impurities in food, medicine, or other materials.
Words with a similar meaning
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Make it your own
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