IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
deforestation
noun/ˌdiːfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/Band 7
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“deforestation” is a Band 7 noun that means the clearing or removal of forests, usually for farming or development. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
The clearing or removal of forests, usually for farming or development.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “Deforestation threatens countless species.”
- “Illegal logging is a major cause of deforestation.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
clearinglogging
Antonyms
reforestationafforestation
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
large-scale deforestationcause deforestationcombat deforestation
Common phrases
the rate of deforestation
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “deforestation” mean?
The clearing or removal of forests, usually for farming or development.
How do you use “deforestation” in a sentence?
For example: “Deforestation threatens countless species.”
What are some synonyms for “deforestation”?
Synonyms include clearing, logging.
Is “deforestation” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 7 vocabulary, and collocations such as large-scale deforestation, cause deforestation, combat deforestation help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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