degradation

noun

deg·​ra·​da·​tion ˌde-grə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of degrading

environmental degradation

the gradual degradation of organic matter

… nothing infuriates the female students more than the degradation of women that is associated with male sports …

—Scott Stossel

suffer the degradations of poverty and abuse

2

a

: decline to a low, destitute, or demoralized state

shocked by the hopeless degradation of the "poor whites"

—Edith Wharton

Some houses are found spotless, others in a wretched degradation …

—Paul Reyes

b

: moral or intellectual decadence : degeneration

educated him in the bestiality and degradation that war brings

—Drew Middleton

degradative

ˈde-grə-ˌdā-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• decadence
• declension
• declination
• decline
• degeneracy
• degeneration
• dégringolade
• descent
• deterioration
• devolution
• downfall
• downgrade
• ebb
• eclipse
• fall

Examples of degradation in a Sentence

English teachers bemoaning the degradation of the language that e-mail and instant messaging have allegedly brought about.

the belief that moral degradation is an unmistakable sign of a nation in decline

Recent Examples on the Web

The degradation of batteries is a challenge that bedevils all sorts of electronics. —Asher Price, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025

However, over time and age, exposure to the sun and other environmental factors, heat styling, and chemical treatment can deplete the volume in the hair through degradation and damage. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025

Thematic group discussions will follow, focusing on the intersections of environmental degradation, climate change, and social justice. —Photovogue, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2025

There is good evidence for the systemic linkages between biodiversity, land degradation and climate change which in turn can be threat multipliers for pandemic vulnerability. —Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see degrade

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

degradation

noun

deg·​ra·​da·​tion ˌdeg-rə-ˈdā-shən 

1

a

: a reduction in rank, dignity, or standing

b

: removal from office

2

: loss of honor or reputation

3

: degeneration sense 1, deterioration

Medical Definition

degradation

noun

deg·​ra·​da·​tion ˌdeg-rə-ˈdā-shən 

: change of a chemical compound to a less complex compound

degradative

ˈdeg-rə-ˌdāt-iv 

adjective