Synonyms of degradation

degradation

noun

ˌde-grə-ˈdā-shən 

1

as in deterioration

a change to a lower state or level

English teachers bemoaning the degradation of the language that e-mail and instant messaging have allegedly brought about

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deterioration
• decline
• declination
• descent
• decadence
• downfall
• degeneration
• destruction
• decrease
• degeneracy
• reduction
• ebb
• devolution
• eclipse
• fall
• decay
• downgrade
• decomposition
• dissolution
• declension
• disintegration
• dégringolade
• loss
• drop
• breakup
• debasement
• dark age
• sunset
• rotting
• spoiling
• crumbling
• nadir
• abasement
• dip
• depreciation
• diminution
• shrinkage
• ruination
• slump
• decimation
• lessening
• demolition
• diminishment
• lowering
• havoc
• ruin
• deflation
• downturn
• decrement
• sag
• falloff
• desolation
• abatement
• demolishment
• drop-off
• slip
• downtrend
• downslide
• de-escalation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• development
• growth
• evolution
• rise
• advancement
• ascent
• restoration
• flowering
• renewal
• upswing
• revitalization
• increase
• enhancement
• addition
• gain
• augmentation
• increment
• blossoming
• flourishing
• accretion
• supplement
• boost
• accrual
• raise
• heightening
• addendum

2

as in corruption

a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior

the belief that moral degradation is an unmistakable sign of a nation in decline

Synonyms & Similar Words

• corruption
• corruptness
• dissoluteness
• debasement
• dissipation
• degeneracy
• degeneration
• abjection
• demoralization
• turpitude
• perversion
• decadence
• sinfulness
• depravity
• decadency
• degenerateness
• debauchery
• libertinism
• rakishness
• evil
• dissipatedness
• pervertedness
• libertinage
• immorality
• villainy
• wickedness
• squalor
• rot
• filth
• gangrene

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• virtue
• morality
• goodness
• righteousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of degradation

The work also revises some degradation mechanisms described in earlier scientific literature, which the researchers said had relied largely on assumptions rather than experimental evidence. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

Since optical switches aren’t subject to the same amount of degradation as traditional mechanical switches, the representative argued, users won’t need to swap them over time. — ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026

There are also practical questions around battery degradation, consumer compensation, privacy, and who gets to control an asset in someone’s home. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

For example, the company traced the helium leaks to valve problems — specifically, degradation that occurred after exposure to nitrogen tetroxide, the oxidizer in Starliner's propulsion system. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026