The act or capacity of absorbing water; when a material (fabric, soil, etc.) takes in water.
このタオルは吸水性（吸水）が高く、すぐに汗を拭き取れる。
This towel has high water absorption, so it quickly soaks up sweat.
建材の吸水率（吸水）を測ってから施工方法を決める。
We measure the water absorption rate of the building material before deciding how to install it.
スポンジは水をよく吸水するので掃除に便利だ。
A sponge absorbs water well, so it's useful for cleaning.
土の吸水が悪いと雨水が地表に残りやすい。
If the soil's water absorption is poor, rainwater tends to remain on the surface.