English Reference
noun

emission

n.
US /ɪˈmɪʃən/ UK /ɪmˈɪʃən/ emis·sion UK spelling emissions

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a substance, such as a gas, that is sent out into the air.

    a substance, typically a pollutant or greenhouse gas, discharged into the atmosphere.

    Simple

    The government is trying to reduce carbon emissions from cars and factories.

    In context

    The new environmental regulations mandate a significant reduction in methane emissions from industrial agricultural facilities by the end of the decade.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the process of sending out light, heat, or sound.

    the physical process of discharging or radiating energy or matter from a source.

    Simple

    The emission of light from the screen can make it hard to sleep.

    In context

    The precise measurement of thermal emission allows scientists to determine the surface temperature of distant planets without direct contact.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Formal

    a radio or television programme.

    a broadcast or transmission of a programme, often used in the context of international media.

    Simple

    The station began its nightly emission of news at seven o'clock.

    In context

    The shortwave emission was intended for audiences across the border, providing an alternative perspective on the unfolding political crisis.

    Usage

    This sense is more common in European English contexts influenced by French 'émission' or in formal media studies.

Usage emission zone · emissions scenario

Reducing emissions was seen as morally right because richer nations produced most of the gases that have warmed the planet.

BBC News· 29 Jul 2026

In their view, the government is obsessed with cleaning up electricity generation, even though it accounts for a far smaller total of our emissions - around 10%.

BBC News· 15 Apr 2026

Etymology 1

First attested in 1607. From Middle French émission, from Latin ēmissiō (“sending forth”), from ēmittō (“send out”), from ex (“from, out of”) + mittō (“send”).

Etymology 2

Borrowed from French émission.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin ēmissiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated