Word
groundwater
Phoneticsground·wa·ter, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹaʊndˌwɑtɝ/
UK/ɡɹˈaʊndwɔːtɐ/
Uncountable noun Geology
Definition
n. water that is found deep under the earth's surface in the soil or between rocks. It is a major source of fresh water for wells and springs.
n. water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock. It serves as a critical reservoir for the hydrological cycle and human consumption.
Examples
“Many farmers rely on groundwater to water their crops.”
“The local government is monitoring the groundwater levels to ensure the town's wells do not run dry during the summer.”
“Industrial runoff can seep through the topsoil and contaminate the groundwater, leading to long-term environmental damage that is both difficult and expensive to remediate.”
Examples
simple
“Many farmers rely on groundwater to water their crops.”
contextual
“The local government is monitoring the groundwater levels to ensure the town's wells do not run dry during the summer.”
complex
“Industrial runoff can seep through the topsoil and contaminate the groundwater, leading to long-term environmental damage that is both difficult and expensive to remediate.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “groundwater” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Heavy summer thunderstorms don't mean an end to a drought, as rivers, groundwater levels and reservoirs can still be depleted for months.” “South-east England relies more heavily on groundwater than reservoirs.” Etymology
From ground + water.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- 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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