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 of degraded

• corrupt
• sick

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

Obtaining a suitable profile can be a daunting task, however, since the DNA samples needed to develop those profiles are often old and degraded, said Kendall Mills of Season of Justice, a nonprofit that fundraises for law enforcement agencies that need advanced DNA analysis but can’t afford it. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026

Last week, Andrew spent his first birthday as a commoner in circumstances as degraded as earlier celebrations had been grand. —Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026

On top of that, particles from tire wear, litter, and degraded plastics elsewhere can settle out of the air or arrive with runoff. —Dr. Avishesh Neupane, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026

Problems with insulation can be caused by freezes due to the freeze-thaw cycle, which can lead to degraded insulation. —Molly Burford, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026

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