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
… nothing infuriates the female students more than the degradation of women that is associated with male sports …—
Scott Stossel
Scott Stosselsuffer 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
Edith WhartonSome 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 Middleton
Synonyms
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
Most rechargeable flashlights use Lithium Ion batteries, and studies have shown that overcharging can cause degradation to the battery.
—Jack Byram, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2024
But the world’s highest peak has a poop problem, driven by the number of visitors, and the harsh conditions on the mountain, which interfere with the degradation process.
—Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024
Xie studies consumer acceptance and knowledge of V2G systems and has learned from EV owners that battery degradation is a major concern for them.
—Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 20 Mar. 2024
As a cultural project, Oppenheimer is timed to coincide with the New York Times’ demoralizing 1619 Project — a continuation of the anti-American degradation that Nolan honed in his Dark Knight trilogy.
—Armond White, National Review, 13 Mar. 2024
When looking at electric vehicles (EVs) specifically, better driving can also result in a lower battery degradation rate, which in turn increases the vehicle's ability to maintain its range over time.
—Mayank Sikaria, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
For example, at the 2.3% degradation rate, a 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV that had a 170-mile maximum range when new might be down to 150 miles after five years.
—Josh Jacquot, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024
Such a move would almost certainly reduce the park’s operating costs, but would also increase the risk of environmental degradation, according to Nancy Ogonje, the executive director of the East African Wild Life Society.
—Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024
The substances resist degradation and build up both in the environment and our bodies.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024
Jack Byram, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2024
But the world’s highest peak has a poop problem, driven by the number of visitors, and the harsh conditions on the mountain, which interfere with the degradation process.
—Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024
Xie studies consumer acceptance and knowledge of V2G systems and has learned from EV owners that battery degradation is a major concern for them.
—Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 20 Mar. 2024
As a cultural project, Oppenheimer is timed to coincide with the New York Times’ demoralizing 1619 Project — a continuation of the anti-American degradation that Nolan honed in his Dark Knight trilogy.
—Armond White, National Review, 13 Mar. 2024
When looking at electric vehicles (EVs) specifically, better driving can also result in a lower battery degradation rate, which in turn increases the vehicle's ability to maintain its range over time.
—Mayank Sikaria, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
For example, at the 2.3% degradation rate, a 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV that had a 170-mile maximum range when new might be down to 150 miles after five years.
—Josh Jacquot, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024
Such a move would almost certainly reduce the park’s operating costs, but would also increase the risk of environmental degradation, according to Nancy Ogonje, the executive director of the East African Wild Life Society.
—Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024
The substances resist degradation and build up both in the environment and our bodies.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'degradation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near degradation
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degradation. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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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
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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