What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contaminant
Example
The water was found to have high levels of contaminants, making it unsafe for consumption. [contaminants: noun]
Example
The factory was responsible for releasing contaminants into the air, causing health problems for nearby residents. [contaminants: plural noun]
pollutant
Example
The government has implemented regulations to reduce the amount of pollutants released by factories. [pollutants: plural noun]
Example
The oil spill in the ocean caused a significant increase in pollutants in the water, harming marine life. [pollutants: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pollutant is a more commonly used term than contaminant in environmental and public health contexts. However, contaminant can be used in various contexts and is a more versatile term.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contaminant and pollutant?
Both contaminant and pollutant are formal terms that are commonly used in scientific and technical writing. However, pollutant is more commonly used in formal contexts due to its specific and technical nature.
