Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Worn away or diminished by the gradual action of natural forces: Describes something that has been gradually worn down, diminished, or destroyed by the long-term action of water, ice, wind, or chemical processes.
   • Having the quality of being eaten into or worn away: Can describe landscapes, rocks, soil, or even metaphorical concepts that show signs of gradual deterioration or loss.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The eroded cliffs along the coast are dangerous to walk near. (The cliffs worn away by the sea are dangerous.)
  • Farmers struggle to grow crops on the eroded soil. (The soil that has been worn away by wind and water is poor for crops.)
  • Over centuries, the river carved an eroded canyon through the rock. (The canyon was formed by the river's gradual wearing away of the rock.)

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: Can describe non-physical things that have been gradually diminished or weakened.
  • Public trust in the institution has been eroded by years of scandal. (Trust has been gradually worn away or diminished.)
  • The eroded values of the community were a topic of concern. (The community's values showed signs of gradual deterioration.)

Variants and Related Words

• Erode (verb): The action of gradually wearing something away.
  • Acid rain can erode limestone buildings.
• Erosion (noun): The process of being eroded.
  • Soil erosion is a major environmental problem.
• Erosive (adjective): Having the power to erode.
  • The erosive power of glaciers shaped the valley.

Synonyms

• Worn down: Reduced or diminished by friction or attrition.
• Weathered: Worn by long exposure to the atmosphere.
• Diminished: Made smaller or less.
• Abraded: Worn away by scraping or friction.

Antonyms

• Accreted: Grown or increased by gradual addition.
• Built up: Increased or strengthened over time.
• Intact: Remaining whole and undamaged.

Related Phrases & Collocations

• Eroded coastline: A shore worn away by wave action.
• Eroded credibility: A loss of trust or believability over time.
• Eroded by time: Something gradually worn down or forgotten due to the passage of time.

Adjective

1. worn away as by water or ice or wind