Land subsidence: the lowering of the ground surface due to movement or compression of underground materials; often caused by excessive groundwater extraction in urban areas.
長年の地下水汲み上げが原因でこの地域は地盤沈下が進んだ。
Years of groundwater pumping caused land subsidence to progress in this area.
地盤沈下で水道管に亀裂が入り、漏水が発生した。
Land subsidence cracked the water pipes and caused leaks.
海面変動と地盤沈下が重なり、沿岸部の浸水被害が増えている。
Rising sea levels combined with land subsidence have increased flooding damage on the coast.
Figuratively, a decline in influence or power—when someone's or an organization's base of support weakens.
若手の台頭で先代の政治家の地盤沈下が進んだ。
With the rise of younger politicians, the veteran's base of support declined.
企業の不祥事でブランドの地盤沈下が避けられない。
Due to the company's scandal, a decline in the brand's standing is inevitable.