# sanitation

/ˌsænəˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /sˌænɪtˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sanitation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. waste disposal systems

noun · CEFR B2

the systems used to remove dirty water and human waste safely to keep people healthy.

For teachers: the systems and infrastructure for the hygienic disposal or recycling of waste, particularly human excreta and sewage.

- Many people in the village gained access to clean water and better sanitation last year.
- The non-profit organisation focused on improving urban sanitation by installing modern sewage systems in the most densely populated districts.

Usage: Usually uncountable when referring to the general concept or infrastructure.

### 2. public health measures

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the rules and actions taken by a government to protect public health through cleanliness.

For teachers: the policy and practice of protecting public health through the maintenance of hygienic conditions and disease prevention measures.

- The government introduced new sanitation laws to prevent the spread of disease in the city.
- Effective public sanitation remains a cornerstone of modern urban planning, essential for mitigating the risks of waterborne epidemics in expanding metropolises.

Usage: Often used in policy documents and academic discussions regarding infrastructure and health.

## Examples

- The city is working to improve sanitation in the slums.
- Poor sanitation in the refugee camp led to a rapid outbreak of waterborne diseases among the residents.
- While urban planning often focuses on aesthetics, the underlying infrastructure for sanitation remains the most critical factor in determining the long-term viability of a growing metropolis.

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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.