Definition

The process where fertile land becomes desert due to factors like climate change or poor land management.

Example

Desertification is a serious problem that affects many regions around the world.

Conversation

Have you heard about desertification and how it affects our environment?

Yeah, it's really alarming how much land is turning into desert these days.

It's mainly due to climate change and poor land management, right?

Exactly, we need to raise awareness to prevent further desertification.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Desertification → It is formed from "desert" (from Latin *desertum*, meaning a wasteland or abandoned land) and "-ification" (from Latin *-ificare*, meaning to make or to cause to become). The word describes the process of making land into a desert or wasteland.

Memory Tip

Think of 'desert' as a wasteland being 'made' or transformed into a desert through the process of desertification.

Visually Confused Words