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

Overfertilization is a common problem that has far-reaching adverse environmental effects, from groundwater contamination to degradation of waterways. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026

The movie is also a chronicle of the degradation of what passes for news reporting; Sun staffers are told that every murder, rape or theft has to be written up like a thriller. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

The species’ coastal habitats, such as mangroves and reefs, have also suffered loss and degradation due to urban development and climate change. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

There is no warping, no heat distortion and no structural degradation. — New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026