polluting

adjective

pol·​lut·​ing pə-ˈlü-tiŋ How to pronounce polluting (audio)
: causing pollution
… a region that has been dependent upon basic industries such as coal mining and metal work—relatively polluting industries.Patricia L. Layman
The recycling process itself can be polluting. Recyclers find it difficult to separate recyclable from nonrecyclable plastics, which causes the end product to be useless.Sally Hayhow Cullen

Examples of polluting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Among the world’s most polluting industries, fashion accounts for between 3% and 5% of global carbon emissions, according to consultancy McKinsey’s State of Fashion report. Oscar Holland, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 Combined, the two rules would eliminate the equivalent of carbon dioxide emissions generated over two years by all sectors of the economy in the United States, the second-biggest polluting country on the planet after China. Coral Davenport, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2023 Read Article > Rivian released its first-ever environmental and social impact report, in which the company commits to building a new generation of electric vehicles that are even less polluting than its current generation. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Mar. 2024 For decades, the country’s soaring power demand was fulfilled largely by coal, the most polluting fossil fuel. Nadja Popovich, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023 Trains are a valuable alternative to clogged freeways and can be less polluting and more energy efficient. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2024 Rivian released the latest edition of its environmental impact report, in which the company commits to building a new generation of electric vehicles that are even less polluting than its current generation. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 12 Jan. 2024 Currently, dyeing is a hugely polluting process—with rivers in countries like Bangladesh and China turned completely different colors from the chemical discharge. Emily Chan, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2023 Consider phasing out that gas stove and switching to induction cooking, which is less polluting and better for your health. John Wogan Carmen Winant, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polluting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polluting was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near polluting

Cite this Entry

“Polluting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polluting. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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