toxicity
/tɒkˈsɪsəti/ (bre, ipa) · [tɑksˈɪsəti] /tɑːkˈsɪsəti/ (ame, ipa) · [tɑksˈɪsəti] /täk-ˈsi-sə-tē How to pronounce toxicity (audio)/ (ame, mw)
toxicity — noun
- toxicitysingular
- toxicitiesplural
1. how poisonous a substance is, judged by the amount of harmful material it holds
how poisonous a substance is, judged by the amount of harmful material it holds and the danger it creates for people, animals, or the environment
The factory manager checked the toxicity of the waste before releasing it into the river.
the toxicity of [substance]: measured level of poison
The research team measured the toxicity of a new industrial chemical on fish and plants.
A local resident worried about the toxicity of the drinking water after the spill.
The safety officer warned that the cleaning fluid's toxicity could cause skin burns.
The environmental agency updated its guidelines on the toxicity of common pesticides used on farms.
- poisonousness
a less common, more direct synonym that means the same thing but is rarely used in everyday speech
- harmfulness
broader — includes non-chemical harms like radiation or physical injury
- deadliness
stronger — suggests the substance is likely to cause death
- safety
the state of being free from harmful effects
文法句型
the toxicity of [substance]
[substance]'s toxicity
用法筆記
Uncountable when referring to the general property of being poisonous. May be countable when talking about specific levels or types: 'the toxicities of different heavy metals vary widely.'
常見錯誤
2. the quality of a situation, group of people, or personal interaction that makes
the quality of a situation, group of people, or personal interaction that makes it extremely unpleasant, negative, and damaging to those involved
The therapist warned that the toxicity of their arguments was harming the children.
the toxicity of [relationship]: harmful interpersonal dynamic
The new manager was shocked by the toxicity of the office atmosphere and gossip.
A long-time employee quit because of the toxicity of the workplace environment.
The moderator reduced the toxicity of the comment sections by enforcing clear rules.
The HR director addressed the toxicity of the team meetings and the shouting.
- negativity
softer and broader — includes pessimism and lack of cooperation, not necessarily harm
- destructiveness
stronger — emphasises active harm and damage to others
- hostility
focuses on unfriendliness and aggression, not necessarily the overall culture
- positivity
a supportive, encouraging, and healthy atmosphere
文法句型
the toxicity of [situation/group/relationship]
用法筆記
Commonly used with nouns describing environments or relationships: workplace, culture, atmosphere, environment, relationship, behaviour. The word is often paired with action verbs like reduce, address, escape, or recognise.