Word
drainage
US/ˈdɹeɪnədʒ/
UK/dɹˈeɪnɪdʒ/
Definitions
01removal of liquid
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the way that water or other liquids flow away from a place.
n. the process of liquid flowing out of or being removed from a specific area, either naturally or through human intervention.
“The heavy rain caused problems because the soil had very poor drainage.”
“The natural drainage of the valley was disrupted by the new housing development, leading to unexpected pooling in the lower fields.”
Antonyms
02a system of drains
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the pipes or ditches used to carry water away from a building or an area.
n. the physical infrastructure, including pipes, conduits, and trenches, designed to facilitate the removal of waste water or rainwater.
“The city is investing millions to improve the old drainage under the streets.”
“Engineers discovered that the Victorian drainage was insufficient for the modern city's requirements, necessitating a complete overhaul of the subterranean network.”
03downward wind
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. a type of wind that blows down a slope or mountain.
n. a katabatic wind that carries high-density air from a higher elevation down a slope under the force of gravity.
“The cold drainage from the mountains made the valley much chillier at night.”
“Meteorologists monitored the nocturnal drainage of cold air into the basin, which frequently resulted in localized temperature inversions.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “drainage” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Even a small, do-it-yourself green roof requires many layers to protect the structure from roots and provide drainage.” “The drainage system had to empty the pool in less than 24 hours without leaving puddles.” Etymology
From drain + -age.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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