Downcutting refers to the process of eroding land or removing material from a surface in a downward manner. Some synonyms for downcutting include erosion, excavation, cutting down, deepening, scouring, and carving. Erosion is the gradual wearing away of land, typically caused by natural forces such as water or wind. Excavation refers to the intentional removal of material from the ground or from a surface. Cutting down and deepening both convey the idea of reducing the height or depth of a structure or feature. Scouring suggests the intense cleaning or polishing of a surface. Carving implies precision and deliberate shaping of a material. All of these synonyms for downcutting are relevant to various geological, environmental, and construction applications.