What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ecological
Example
The ecological balance of the forest was disrupted by the construction of a new road. [ecological: adjective]
Example
The ecologist studied the ecological effects of climate change on the local ecosystem. [ecological: adjective]
environmental
Example
The environmental impact of the oil spill was devastating to the local wildlife. [environmental: adjective]
Example
The company implemented several environmental policies to reduce their carbon footprint. [environmental: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Environmental is more commonly used than ecological in everyday language and public discourse. Environmental is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while ecological is more specialized and typically used in scientific or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ecological and environmental?
While ecological is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, environmental is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
