# infiltration

/ˌɪnfɪɫˈtɹeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɪnfɪltɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/infiltration
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. liquid passing through

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the process of a liquid slowly passing into a solid material through small holes.

For teachers: the process by which a fluid passes into or through a porous substance or the interstices of a structure.

- Heavy rain led to the infiltration of water into the basement through the old walls.
- The study measured the rate of water infiltration in different soil types to predict how quickly the ground would dry after a storm.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'of' for the substance and 'into' for the destination.

## Examples

- The spy's infiltration of the enemy base was successful.
- Security experts warned that the infiltration of the computer network likely began months before the data breach was discovered.
- The heavy rainfall led to rapid infiltration of the parched soil, though the volume eventually exceeded the ground's capacity, resulting in significant surface runoff and local flooding.

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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.