What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ablation
Example
The ablation of the glacier has been accelerating due to climate change. [ablation: noun]
Example
The doctor recommended ablation surgery to remove the tumor. [ablation: noun]
Example
The spacecraft's heat shield experienced ablation during re-entry. [ablation: noun]
erosion
Example
The Grand Canyon was formed by millions of years of erosion by the Colorado River. [erosion: noun]
Example
The old building had suffered significant erosion due to weather and neglect. [erosion: noun]
Example
The erosion of trust between the two countries led to a breakdown in negotiations. [erosion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Erosion is a more commonly used term than ablation in everyday language, as it applies to a wider range of contexts and is more familiar to most people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ablation and erosion?
Ablation is a more technical term associated with scientific or medical contexts, making it more formal than erosion, which is a more general term used in everyday language and can be employed in various formality levels.
