# scarring

/ˈskɑɹɪŋ/ (US) · /skˈɑːɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

the marks left on the skin or inside the body after an injury or cut has healed. It can also describe the emotional pain that stays with someone after a bad experience.

For teachers: the formation of fibrous tissue as a result of the healing process following a wound or injury. Often used metaphorically to describe lasting psychological or emotional trauma.

## Examples

- The doctor said the surgery would result in minimal scarring.
- Severe acne during adolescence can lead to permanent scarring on the face and back if not treated properly.
- The environmental impact of the open-pit mine left deep scarring on the landscape, a visible reminder of the industrial activity that had once dominated the valley.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a gerund to describe the ongoing process of tissue repair or the collective presence of marks.

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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.