desertification

noun

de·​sert·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion di-ˌzər-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce desertification (audio)
: the process of becoming desert (as from land mismanagement or climate change)
desertify transitive verb

Examples of desertification in a Sentence

The organization was awarded for its efforts to prevent further desertification in Africa.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The planet is home to native inhabitants such as the womp rat, the bantha, the sarlacc, and the krayt dragon, creatures that probably wouldn't have survived the desertification process that NASA identified. Tom Brown, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2025 The solar panels slow desertification, reduce wind speeds and create shaded areas that preserve moisture. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, the desertification conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, fell short of reaching an agreement on addressing drought. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024 The environmental impact is considerable too as less firewood use helps mitigate deforestation and preserves local ecosystems, as the loss of trees leads to increasing soil erosion and desertification. Daniela De Lorenzo, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for desertification 

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of desertification was in 1972

Dictionary Entries Near desertification

Cite this Entry

“Desertification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desertification. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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