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
Scott Stosselsuffer 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
Edith WhartonSome houses are found spotless, others in a wretched degradation …—Paul Reyes
Paul Reyes
b
: moral or intellectual decadence : degeneration
educated him in the bestiality and degradation that war brings—Drew Middleton
Drew MiddletonSynonyms
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
Risk mitigation: Investors recognize that climate change and environmental degradation pose long-term risks to the financial system and specific sectors.
—Christer Holloman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
In addition, there has been some recent degradation of rangeland and pastures, as well as a lack of soil moisture for the establishment of fall-sown crops, including winter wheat, according to the USDA.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2024
One major drawback with solid-state batteries, Wood Mackenzie’s Reid said, is the swelling of the battery during charging and, ultimately, the degradation of the cell after extensive recharging.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024
These practices consume fossil fuel, water, and topsoil at unsustainable rates and contribute to numerous forms of environmental degradation and soil depletion, diminishing biodiversity.
—Judith Magyar, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for degradation 
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Christer Holloman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
In addition, there has been some recent degradation of rangeland and pastures, as well as a lack of soil moisture for the establishment of fall-sown crops, including winter wheat, according to the USDA.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2024
One major drawback with solid-state batteries, Wood Mackenzie’s Reid said, is the swelling of the battery during charging and, ultimately, the degradation of the cell after extensive recharging.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024
These practices consume fossil fuel, water, and topsoil at unsustainable rates and contribute to numerous forms of environmental degradation and soil depletion, diminishing biodiversity.
—Judith Magyar, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for degradation
Dictionary Entries Near degradation
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degradation. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
Medical Definition
degradation
noun
deg·ra·da·tion
ˌdeg-rə-ˈdā-shən
: change of a chemical compound to a less complex compound
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