degraded

adjective

de·​grad·​ed di-ˈgrā-dəd How to pronounce degraded (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of degradednext
1
: reduced far below ordinary standards of civilized life and conduct
2
: characterized by degeneration of structure or function
degradedly adverb

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
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.
Bamberger, often regarded as a maverick, proved that degraded land could be revived. Lana Ferguson, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026 Service remained degraded more than seven hours after Microsoft acknowledged the error messages. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026 What began as a rational response to war and isolation has evolved into a structural vulnerability—one that has drained aquifers, degraded land and left the country increasingly exposed to climate stress and social unrest. Shooka Bidarian, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 From the outset, Bowie presented himself less as that degraded breed—a rock star—and more as a cultural all-rounder. Alexander Larman, Time, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for degraded

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of degraded was in 1643

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Cite this Entry

“Degraded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degraded. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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