Word
toxicity
Phoneticstox·i·c·i·ty
US/tɑkˈsɪsəti/
UK/tɒksˈɪsɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the quality of being poisonous or harmful to living things. It can also describe a situation or relationship that is very negative and damaging to your mental health.
n. the degree to which a substance can damage an organism, or the quality of being poisonous. In social contexts, refers to harmful, manipulative, or destructive behavior within a group or relationship.
Examples
“The scientists are testing the toxicity of the new chemical.”
“The manager resigned because the toxicity of the office environment was affecting his health.”
“Environmental regulations aim to limit the toxicity of industrial runoff to protect local aquatic ecosystems from long-term damage.”
Examples
simple
“The scientists are testing the toxicity of the new chemical.”
contextual
“The manager resigned because the toxicity of the office environment was affecting his health.”
complex
“Environmental regulations aim to limit the toxicity of industrial runoff to protect local aquatic ecosystems from long-term damage.”
Usage
Uncountable in most contexts; can be used with 'of' to specify the source of the harm.
Real-World Examples
“Most research on bisphenol toxicity has focused on BPA.” “The potential harm done by any pesticide depends on both the amount applied and its toxicity, which can vary greatly from species to species.” “One thing we try to stress in the paper is that it's not like these communities fall off a cliff of toxicity.” Etymology
From toxic + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
In Music
Cover shown under fair use for identification and commentary.
Toxicity · 2002 · Alternative metal
- Artist:
- System of a Down
- Album:
- Toxicity
System of a Down released this alternative metal classic in 2002 as the title track of their second album. The title uses the word figuratively to describe the chaotic and damaging nature of life in a modern city. It highlights how a negative environment can affect a person's mental state.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/toxicity