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

Maltz served as the lead author on a meta-analysis of how soil inoculation with different species of mycorrhizal fungi can affect degraded ecosystems. —Lauren Oster, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025

For example, sponsor initiatives to restore degraded ecosystems, protect endangered species or support reforestation. —Jamie Houston, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

The Freshwater Challenge is an initiative of countries—currently 49 countries plus the European Union—that have committed to collectively restoring 300,000 kilometers of degraded rivers and 350 million hectares of degraded wetlands. —Jeff Opperman, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

The resulting service gaps leave service providers relying on alternate methods that in many places result in a degraded customer interaction. —Glenn Katz, Forbes, 6 Mar. 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