Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Subsidence
noun
/ sub-SY-dens /
Medium
Meaning
Gradual sinking of the ground surface due to removal of underground material such as water, minerals, or oil
Origin / Etymology
Latin subsidere — to sink down, settle
Synonyms
Sinking
Settlement
Ground depression
Antonyms
Uplift
Elevation
Example Sentence
"Excessive groundwater extraction caused land subsidence across 6 million sq km globally."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS1 Geography and GS3 Environment answers on groundwater depletion, urban planning, and disaster risk.
Relevant Subjects