Word

toxicity

noun C1

UK /tɒkˈsɪs.ə.ti/

US /tɑkˈsɪs.ə.ti/

Meanings

noun

the degree to which a substance is poisonous or harmful to living organisms

noun

the harmful, hostile, or unhealthy quality of a social environment, such as a workplace, group, or online community

Definition

Toxicity is the degree to which something is harmful or damaging to living beings or to a situation.

Toxicity refers to how poisonous or harmful a substance is, especially to people, animals, or the environment. It can also describe a damaging quality in relationships, workplaces, or online spaces that makes them unhealthy to be in. Learners often use it to discuss risks, safety, and negative social dynamics. The focus is on the level or intensity of harm.

Examples

Researchers compared the toxicity of the new compound with that of earlier formulations before approving further tests.
I left the group chat because the toxicity was draining my energy and making me second-guess myself.
She raised concerns about the toxicity of the workplace culture during the exit interview.
They monitor water quality closely, since even low toxicity can disrupt the river’s ecosystem.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse toxicity (how harmful something is) with toxification (the process of becoming toxic) and use the wrong noun.