Lubrication is the process or technique employed to reduce friction between, and wear of one or both, surfaces in close proximity and moving relative to each other, by interposing a substance called a lubricant between them. The lubricant can be a solid, (e.g. Molybdenum disulfide MoS2) a solid/liquid dispersion, a liquid such as oil or water, a liquid-liquid dispersion (a grease) or a gas.

With fluid lubricants the applied load is either carried by pressure generated within the liquid the due to the frictional viscous resistance to motion of the lubricating fluid between the surfaces, or by the liquid being pumped under pressure between the surfaces.

Lubrication can also describe the phenomenon where reduction of friction occurs unintentionally, which can be hazardous such as hydroplaning on a road.