degradable

adjective

de·​grad·​able di-ˈgrā-də-bəl 

dē-

: capable of being chemically degraded

degradable detergents

compare biodegradable

degradability

di-ˌgrā-də-ˈbi-lə-tē 

dē-

noun

Examples of degradable in a Sentence

plastic that is not degradable

Recent Examples on the Web

Taking the paint off will be a bio-degradable product made in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles called World’s Best Bare Brick, Stone and Masonry Graffiti Remover. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Using flimsy or degradable sealants that allow bats to reenter. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Spiber is careful to point out that even the unfinished Brewed Protein is degradable in ocean water, with over 70 percent breakdown in 30 days, thereby ensuring that micro-particles do not remain. — Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026

Leading Chinese brands are driving this momentum with substantial investments in recyclable materials, sustainable packaging, and degradable textiles. — Sunny Tan, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for degradable

• tradable
• tradeable
• biodegradable

Medical Definition

degradable

adjective

de·​grad·​able di-ˈgrād-ə-bəl 

: capable of being chemically degraded

degradable detergents

degradability

-ˌgrād-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural degradabilities