noun

weathering

WEH-thuh-ring

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Weathering (noun) means the breaking down of rock, soil and building materials where they lie, caused by rain, frost, wind, heat and chemical reactions with air and water. Example: “Frost weathering split the cliff face along its joints.”

noun

The breaking down of rock, soil and building materials where they lie, caused by rain, frost, wind, heat and chemical reactions with air and water.

"Frost weathering split the cliff face along its joints."

"Acid rain speeds up the weathering of limestone statues."

specialist In modelling and design, deliberately added dirt, rust and wear that makes something look used.

"A wash of grey paint gives the model tank convincing weathering."

verb

Present participle of weather: coming through a storm, crisis or hard period without being destroyed.

"The firm is weathering the downturn better than its rivals."

"They weathered the scandal by saying nothing for a month."

How to use weathering

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRock and stone slowly breaking apart from being out in the weather.

When to use it

A core geography and geology term; the verb sense is common in business and news writing.

Memory tip

Weathering breaks material down in place; erosion carries the pieces away. Exam answers lose marks for treating them as the same thing.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

erosion → corrosion → withering →

Common pairings

chemical weathering physical weathering frost weathering weathering and erosion weathering the storm

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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”.

Test yourself on “weathering” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Frost _____ split the cliff face along its joints.

Etymology

From Middle English wederyng, equivalent to weather + -ing.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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erosion degradation breakdown attrition riding out surviving enduring withstanding

Related words

living loss analysis wearing failure alive classic permanent

Rhymes for weathering

peering tapering lowering covering offering entering altering cheering steering uttering ordering towering

See all rhymes for weathering →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Weathering breaks rock apart where it sits, with no transport involved. Erosion is the removal of the loosened material by water, ice, wind or gravity. Weathering usually happens first and erosion clears up after it.

What are the main types of weathering?

Physical, which cracks rock apart through frost, heat or pressure release; chemical, in which water and acids dissolve or alter the minerals; and biological, where roots, burrowing animals and lichens do the damage.

What is the meaning of weathering?

"weathering" (noun) means the breaking down of rock, soil and building materials where they lie, caused by rain, frost, wind, heat and chemical reactions with air and water.

What is another word for weathering?

Other words for "weathering" include erosion, degradation, breakdown, attrition, riding out, surviving.

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