# pollution

/pəˈɫuʃən/ (US) · /pəlˈuːʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pollution
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. environmental contamination

noun · CEFR A2

damage caused to water, air, or land by harmful waste or chemicals.

For teachers: the presence or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.

- The factory was fined for dumping chemicals that caused water pollution in the local river.
- Industrial pollution remains a significant threat to biodiversity in the region, as toxic runoff continues to seep into the groundwater supply.

Usage: Usually uncountable when referring to the general phenomenon.

### 2. disruptive noise or light

noun · CEFR B2

too much noise or light in a place that makes it unpleasant or difficult to see the stars.

For teachers: the presence of disruptive or excessive levels of artificial light or noise in the environment.

- Light pollution from the big city makes it hard to see the stars at night.
- Urban planners are increasingly concerned with noise pollution, implementing stricter zoning laws to protect residential areas from highway traffic sounds.

### 3. moral or spiritual corruption

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

the act of making something pure or holy dirty in a moral way.

For teachers: the state of being morally or spiritually corrupted or defiled.

- The priest spoke about the pollution of the soul by greed and envy.
- The text explores the symbolic pollution of the sacred temple by those who prioritised material wealth over spiritual devotion.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in modern conversation and is almost exclusively found in religious or historical academic contexts.

## Examples

- Air pollution is a big problem in many large cities.
- The local government introduced new laws to stop factories from dumping chemical pollution into the river.
- While visible litter is a concern, the most dangerous forms of pollution are often microscopic particles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs.

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