What is difference between retaining wall and embankment?

A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil or rock from a slope, preventing erosion and providing support for elevated ground. In contrast, an embankment is a raised structure made of soil, rock, or other materials, built to support roads, railways, or to raise the level of the ground. While retaining walls manage lateral earth pressure and provide stability, embankments primarily serve to elevate land for infrastructure purposes.