ENGLISH
REFERENCE

polluting

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //pəˈɫutɪŋ// UK //pəlˈuːtɪŋ// pol·lut·ing

adj. describing something that makes the air, water, or land dirty and dangerous. It is often used to talk about factories, cars, or chemicals that harm nature.

adj. causing contamination or impurity in the natural environment. Often functions as a participial adjective describing substances, industries, or activities that introduce harmful pollutants.


SIMPLE

The factory was fined for its polluting activities.

CONTEXTUAL

Many cities are banning older, more polluting vehicles to improve the quality of the air for residents.

COMPLEX

The report highlights how shift in global manufacturing has moved the most polluting industries to developing nations with fewer environmental regulations.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used as a participial adjective before a noun; can also be the present participle of the verb 'pollute'.

Pitfall

The smoke is very polluted.The smoke is very polluting.Learners often confuse the active 'polluting' (causing the damage) with the passive 'polluted' (having been damaged).

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