# polluting

/pəˈɫutɪŋ/ (US) · /pəlˈuːtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polluting
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- The factory was fined for its polluting activities.
- Many cities are banning older, more polluting vehicles to improve the quality of the air for residents.
- The report highlights how shift in global manufacturing has moved the most polluting industries to developing nations with fewer environmental regulations.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The smoke is very polluted." but "The smoke is very polluting." — Learners often confuse the active 'polluting' (causing the damage) with the passive 'polluted' (having been damaged).

## Usage notes

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

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