deforestation

noun

de·​for·​es·​ta·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən 

-ˌfär-

: the action or process of clearing of forests

also : the state of having been cleared of forests

Examples of deforestation in a Sentence

the deforestation of the island

Recent Examples on the Web

Climate and conservation experts warn that a Bolsonaro victory could reverse the deforestation-control policies Lula restored after taking office in 2023. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

During Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency, from 2019 to 2022, Amazon deforestation surged by about 60%, with over 17,400 square miles cleared, according to official data. — Gabriela Sá Pessoa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

As different countries and blocs roll out regulations related to deforestation and forest-sourcing, trade routes have to adapt to satisfy each area. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Persistent drought, large wildfires and deforestation to make way for cattle have degraded swaths of forest in recent decades. — Peter Prengaman, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deforestation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

deforestation

noun

de·​for·​es·​ta·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən 

-ˌfär-

: the action or process of clearing an area of forests

also : the state of having been cleared of forests

deforest

(ˈ)dē-ˈfȯr-əst 

-ˈfär-

verb