# eroded

/ɪˈɹoʊdəd/ (US) · /ɪɹˈəʊdɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eroded
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

worn away slowly by wind, water, or time. You can also use it to describe something like trust or power that has become weaker over a long period.

For teachers: gradually worn away or destroyed by physical forces or a slow process of attrition. Often used to describe the loss of abstract qualities like authority, confidence, or value.

## Examples

- The eroded cliffs look very different than they did years ago.
- Years of heavy rain have eroded the soil on the hillside, making it difficult for new plants to grow.
- The public's trust in the institution has been steadily eroded by a series of scandals and a perceived lack of transparency from the leadership.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'become' or 'look'; frequently used in the passive voice when describing the cause of the damage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.