corrosive: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “corrosive” mean?
A substance that gradually wears away or destroys materials, especially metals, by chemical action.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance that gradually wears away or destroys materials, especially metals, by chemical action.
Anything that causes gradual, destructive damage to a relationship, society, system, or a person's feelings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling and usage are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects; strongly negative.
Frequency
Slightly more common in technical/business contexts than everyday conversation in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “corrosive” in a Sentence
be corrosive to Nhave a corrosive effect on NVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corrosive” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The corrosive liquid damaged the lorry's chassis.
- Her corrosive cynicism soured the team's morale.
American English
- The corrosive acid ruined the truck's frame.
- His corrosive bitterness poisoned the workplace atmosphere.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe market forces or regulations that erode profits or competitive advantage.
Academic
Common in chemistry, materials science, and social sciences to describe destructive processes.
Everyday
Used metaphorically for gossip, jealousy, or bitterness that damages relationships.
Technical
Primary use: describing chemicals that oxidize or dissolve metals and other materials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corrosive”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corrosive”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corrosive”
- Incorrect: 'His words were very corrosive to me.' (Better: 'His words had a corrosive effect on me.')
- Confusing 'corrosive' (chemical action) with 'abrasive' (physical friction).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary meaning is chemical, it is very commonly used metaphorically for anything that causes gradual, destructive damage (e.g., corrosive doubt, corrosive influence).
In chemistry, 'corrosive' generally refers to materials that destroy by chemical action (often oxidation), while 'caustic' specifically refers to strong bases that burn organic tissue. Metaphorically, both can mean bitterly sarcastic, but 'caustic' is more common for sharp remarks.
Yes, though less common. As a noun, it refers to a corrosive substance (e.g., 'Store all corrosives in a secure cabinet.').
It is neutral-to-formal. It's standard in technical and academic writing and common in quality journalism. In everyday conversation, simpler words like 'damaging' or 'destructive' might be used instead.
A substance that gradually wears away or destroys materials, especially metals, by chemical action.
Corrosive: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈrəʊsɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈroʊsɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A corrosive influence”
- “The corrosive effects of time”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CORE RUSTSIVE' – it attacks the core of something and makes it rust.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESTRUCTION IS A CHEMICAL REACTION (e.g., 'corrosive criticism' eats away at confidence).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'corrosive' used in its MOST LITERAL sense?