Sinking or subsidence; the lowering or settling of the ground or an object. Often used in engineering contexts (e.g., ground subsidence).
長期間の揚水で地下水位が下がり、地盤沈下が進んだ。
Long-term water pumping lowered the groundwater level, causing ground subsidence.
橋の沈下量を毎月測定している。
We measure the bridge's amount of settlement every month.
建物の沈下を防ぐために杭を打った。
Piles were driven to prevent the building from sinking.