degradable

adjective

de·​grad·​able di-ˈgrā-də-bəl How to pronounce degradable (audio)
dē-
: capable of being chemically degraded
degradable detergents
compare biodegradable
degradability noun

Examples of degradable in a Sentence

plastic that is not degradable
Recent Examples on the Web Ford is also honored with The Visionary Honor for launching the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize in partnership with Lonely Whale, the only global competition focused on creating scalable and biologically degradable alternatives to thin-film plastic. Marc Malkin, Variety, 6 Mar. 2023 Eriksen points to manufacturers ramping up production of innovative biomaterials such as microbially synthesized polymers called polyhydroxyalkanoates, or PHAs, that are designed to be fully degradable by microbes in the ocean and other natural environments. Eric Bender, Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2021 There are other eco-friendly pregnancy tests on the horizon, most notably Hoopsy out of the UK and Lia, a promising bio-degradable test that’s struggling to meet demand. Rachael Schultz, Health, 24 Feb. 2023 The pellets are held together by a thin, degradable netting. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2023 Some straw manufacturers now make their products with bioplastics, like polylactic acid made from corn, but as the study authors note, polylactic acid (PLA) straws are not marine-degradable. Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 2 Feb. 2023 In 2020, Tom Ford partnered with Lonely Whale to launch the only global competition focused on catalyzing scalable and biologically degradable alternatives to thin-film plastic polybags. Simon Mainwaring, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2023 So Karp’s team is now developing quills with degradable barbs, which could stick for a specified amount of time before being easily removed. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 11 Dec. 2012 Notpla is a natural and bio-degradable plastic alternative made from seaweed and plants and can be used to create a range of packaging products, such as a bubble to hold liquids and a coating for food. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 3 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'degradable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of degradable was circa 1962

Dictionary Entries Near degradable

Cite this Entry

“Degradable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degradable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

degradable

adjective
de·​grad·​able di-ˈgrād-ə-bəl How to pronounce degradable (audio)
: capable of being chemically degraded
degradable detergents
degradability noun
plural degradabilities
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!