toxicity

noun

1. The degree to which a substance is poisonous or harmful to living organisms.

   B2

   uncountable

   • "The toxicity of this pesticide affects both insects and birds."B2
   • "Scientists are studying the acute toxicity of the chemical in water."C1

2. The quality of being extremely harsh, cruel, or harmful in a social or online environment.

   C1

   informal

   • "Online toxicity often drives new users away from gaming communities."C1
   • "She left the workplace because of the increasing toxicity of the office culture."C2