subsidence
sub-SY-dens
/səbˈsaɪdəns/
The gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land.
Often implies a slow, downward movement over a large area, rather than a sudden collapse like a sinkhole.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'subsidere', meaning 'to settle down' or 'to sink'. It shares a root with 'sediment' and 'sit'. It was originally used to describe water levels dropping before being applied to the land.
Word relationships
- sinking: Sinking is more general; subsidence is the technical term for land levels dropping.
- settlement: Settlement is the sinking of a building; subsidence is the sinking of the ground itself.
- uplift: The rising of the earth's surface.
Commonly confused with
- subsidize: To subsidize is to provide financial support; subsidence is the ground sinking.
Word family
- subside (verb): To sink to a lower level or become less intense.
Collocations
- land subsidence
- ground subsidence
- subsidence risk
Example sentences
- "The city of Venice is facing severe subsidence as groundwater is pumped out from beneath its foundations." Environmental news
- "Old coal mines beneath the town have led to significant subsidence, causing cracks in many homes." Mining impact
Memory hook
The 'sub' (under) 'side' is 'dense' and sinking. The ground goes down.
When not to use
Don't use it for a person sitting down; it is strictly for land or structural levels.
Fun facts
- Parts of Mexico City are subsiding at a rate of up to 20 inches per year because of water extraction.
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