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

suffer the degradations of poverty and abuse

2

a

: decline to a low, destitute, or demoralized state

'A dependence upon him,' said Kate, 'would embitter my whole life. I should feel begging a far less degradation.'

—Charles Dickens

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 of degradation

• deterioration
• decline
• declination

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 question, experts say, is whether officials can somehow deal with the dangerous chemicals in a way that does not end in a blast or the type of spill that causes environmental degradation. —Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026

Capacity fades quickly, and fast charging generates heat that accelerates that degradation and raises safety concerns. —Deena Theresa, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026

That's because of climate change, environmental degradation and overfishing. —Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 22 May 2026

Traditional plastics can shed these tiny particles through scratching, heat and long-term degradation. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see degrade

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for degradation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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