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
Charles DickensSome 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 MiddletonExamples 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 good news is that Starship’s heat shield appeared to function well during reentry, with fewer signs of damage or degradation as the vehicle splashed down northwest of Australia.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
Everything has been tested for quality over time, along with durability post-laundering to note any pilling or degradation over time.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
The vast degradation of Iran has cut Hamas off from its foremost ally, leaving it more vulnerable than ever.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 May 2026
Its three-pack configuration blankets up to a vast 7,600 square feet and easily supports over 200 connected devices simultaneously without single-point degradation.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
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Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
Everything has been tested for quality over time, along with durability post-laundering to note any pilling or degradation over time.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
The vast degradation of Iran has cut Hamas off from its foremost ally, leaving it more vulnerable than ever.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 May 2026
Its three-pack configuration blankets up to a vast 7,600 square feet and easily supports over 200 connected devices simultaneously without single-point degradation.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degradation. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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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