polluted

[puh-loo-tid]

adjective

1. made unclean or impure; contaminated; tainted.

   swimming in polluted waters.

2. Slang.,  drunk.

polluted

/ pəˈluːtɪd /

adjective

1. made unclean or impure; contaminated

2. slang,  intoxicated; drunk

Other Word Forms

• pollutedness noun
• unpolluted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of polluted¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; pollute, -ed ²

Example Sentences

The southern state's heavy reliance on groundwater and natural water bodies makes it particularly vulnerable, especially as many ponds and wells are polluted.

From BBC

Most villages had dug wells, but even they were polluted and crops had to be burned because they were unsafe for consumption, the petitioners said.

From BBC

It’s about who gets to write the rules that govern our economy and who gets to decide how polluted our state will be.

From Los Angeles Times

The area of polluted ground stretches to about 100 acres, or the equivalent of about 65 - 70 football pitches.

From BBC

The authors said their findings at the Tijuana River point to a need for more research into air pollution coming from other polluted rivers and lakes around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• awful 
• dirty 
• fierce 
• horrible 
• icky 
• murderous 
• noxious 
• obnoxious 
• ornery 
• outrageous 
• rough 
• tough 
• unpleasant 
• vile 
• vulgar