What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
compaction
Example
The compaction of the trash in the garbage bin allows for more space.
Example
The construction workers used a compactor to achieve compaction of the soil before building the foundation.
compression
Example
I used a compression bag to compress my clothes and save space in my suitcase.
Example
The video file was compressed to a smaller size without losing much quality.
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compression is more commonly used than compaction in everyday language. Compression has a broader range of applications and is more widely known due to its use in technology and data compression. Compaction, on the other hand, is more specific to certain industries and fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between compaction and compression?
Both compaction and compression can be used in formal and technical contexts. However, compaction is more commonly used in construction and engineering fields, which may give it a slightly more formal connotation compared to compression.
