degraded

adjective

de·​grad·​ed di-ˈgrā-dəd 

dē-

1

: reduced far below ordinary standards of civilized life and conduct

2

: characterized by degeneration of structure or function

degradedly adverb

Synonyms

• corrupt
• debased
• debauched
• decadent
• degenerate
• demoralized
• depraved
• dissipated
• dissolute
• jackleg
• libertine
• loose
• perverse
• perverted
• rakehell
• rakehelly
• rakish
• reprobate
• sick
• unclean
• unwholesome
• warped

Examples of degraded in a Sentence

many observers deplored the fact that the city's festivities for Mardi Gras had become a degraded, drunken celebration

Recent Examples on the Web

Shot on low-grade digital cameras that made every image look even more apocalyptic and degraded, the film remains utterly terrifying, boasting excellent supporting turns from Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson as Jim’s fellow survivors. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025

The good news is that General Mills is more than 60% of the way to achieving its goal of advancing regenerative agriculture—farming practices that regenerate degraded soil—on a million acres of land by 2030. —Dave Levinthal, Fortune, 16 June 2025

The 147-acre Marshlands Conservancy is a lovely if degraded forest near I-95, just over the Bronx border into Rye. —Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 2025

Microplastics are tiny bits of degraded plastic that may harm human health. —Jamie Ducharme, Health, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for degraded

• abraded
• arcaded
• blockaded
• brocaded
• cascaded
• dissuaded
• downgraded
• evaded
• invaded
• paraded
• persuaded
• pervaded