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

Overcooking leads to heat degradation, reducing vitamin C and phytochemical levels. —Laura Schober, Health, 19 Dec. 2025

Researchers demonstrated that a distinct mechanical failure mode predominantly governs degradation in single-crystal NMC cathodes. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025

The former prohibits placing products linked to deforestation or forest degradation—such as leather and rubber—on the EU market. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025

Acid in vinegar can damage natural stone surfaces and unsealed grout, leading to pitting and degradation. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025

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