degradation

noun

deg·​ra·​da·​tion ˌde-grə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce degradation (audio)
1
: the act or process of degrading
environmental degradation
the gradual degradation of organic matter
… nothing infuriates the female students more than the degradation of women that is associated with male sports …Scott Stossel
suffer the degradations of poverty and abuse
2
a
: decline to a low, destitute, or demoralized state
shocked by the hopeless degradation of the "poor whites"Edith Wharton
Some houses are found spotless, others in a wretched degradationPaul Reyes
b
: moral or intellectual decadence : degeneration
educated him in the bestiality and degradation that war bringsDrew Middleton
degradative adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that projected coral reef degradation in Florida could increase the coastal flood risk to more than 7,300 people at the cost of $823.6 million annually. Rafe Pomerance, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025 The administration cited the degradation of the current FBI complex as a reason for the move. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025 High temperatures can cause a loss of driving range, battery degradation, and slower charging times, according to Car and Driver. Charles Singh, USA Today, 28 June 2025 Any degradation or discontinuity in the data, whether in terms of quality or quantity, could negatively affect the model's forecasting skill, scientists warn. Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for degradation

Word History

Etymology

see degrade

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of degradation was circa 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degradation. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

degradation

noun
deg·​ra·​da·​tion ˌdeg-rə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce degradation (audio)
1
a
: a reduction in rank, dignity, or standing
b
: removal from office
2
: loss of honor or reputation
3

Medical Definition

degradation

noun
deg·​ra·​da·​tion ˌdeg-rə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce degradation (audio)
: change of a chemical compound to a less complex compound
degradative adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on degradation

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