What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foraging
Example
The birds were foraging for worms in the garden. [foraging: verb]
Example
The tribe relied on foraging for their survival in the forest. [foraging: noun]
scavenging
Example
The stray dog was scavenging for food in the dumpster. [scavenging: verb]
Example
The vultures were scavenging on the carcass of a dead animal. [scavenging: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foraging is more commonly used than scavenging in everyday language. Foraging is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, such as gathering information or resources. On the other hand, scavenging is less common and often has negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foraging and scavenging?
Both foraging and scavenging are informal terms, but foraging may be used in more formal contexts, such as scientific or academic writing, while scavenging is typically used in casual or colloquial language.
