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

With more than 60 percent of Portugal’s forests located on difficult slopes, conventional replanting methods have struggled to keep pace with recurring fires and degraded soil. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025

Asked whether Russia could be ready to attempt such a move within five years, Breedlove said that depends on how quickly Moscow can rebuild its degraded forces. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 26 Nov. 2025

Advertisement Restoring degraded land offers similar payoffs. —Kaveh Zahedi, Time, 3 Nov. 2025

Previous studies relied on a process known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies small or degraded fragments of DNA, allowing scientists to analyze genetic material even from old or damaged organic matter. —New Atlas, 24 Oct. 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