What is the term used for a man-made cut formed by the removal of earth?

The term that accurately describes a man-made cut formed by the removal of earth is "excavation." Excavation refers to the process of moving earth or soil to create a hole or cavity, which can include a variety of forms such as trenches, pits, and ditches.

While "trench" specifically refers to a narrow excavation, it does not encompass all types of excavations, which may vary in width and depth. "Pit" typically refers to a deeper, larger open hole but is not as broad in definition as excavation. "Ditch" is generally a long, narrow, and shallow trench primarily used for drainage rather than an all-encompassing term for cuts made by earth removal.

Thus, excavation is the most precise term for describing the overall process of removing earth to create a man-made cut.