noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

deforestation

dih-for-is-TAY-shuhn

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Deforestation (noun) means Deforestation is the clearing of a forest, often to make way for farming or other land use. Example: “Deforestation in the region has sped up as more land is cleared for farming.”

noun

Deforestation is the clearing of a forest, often to make way for farming or other land use.

"Deforestation in the region has sped up as more land is cleared for farming."

"Campaigners are calling for an end to large-scale deforestation."

"Deforestation can leave soil exposed and more prone to erosion."

technical In computing, deforestation is a technique that removes unnecessary intermediate data structures from a program.

"The compiler applies deforestation to cut out the temporary list it would otherwise build."

"Programmers use deforestation to make the code run more efficiently."

"Deforestation can shorten a program without changing what it produces."

How to use deforestation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDeforestation means cutting down a forest, usually to use the land for something else.

When to use it

The environmental sense is everyday and widely understood, while the computing sense is specialist.

Memory tip

It is an uncountable noun in general use, though deforestations can appear when referring to separate instances.

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Common pairings

large-scale deforestation tropical deforestation rate of deforestation drive deforestation

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ in the region has sped up as more land is cleared for farming.

Etymology

Deforestation comes from the verb deforest with the ending -ation added, forming a noun for the process. The word is first recorded in written English in 1870.

Origin: English

Antonyms

afforestation reforestation

Rhymes for deforestation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What does deforestation mean?

It means clearing a forest, usually so the land can be used for something else, such as farming.

What is the opposite of deforestation?

Afforestation and reforestation are both used as opposites, referring to planting or replanting trees.

Is deforestation only about the environment?

Mostly, yes, but in computing it also refers to removing unneeded intermediate data structures from a program.

What is the meaning of deforestation?

"deforestation" (noun) means deforestation is the clearing of a forest, often to make way for farming or other land use.