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

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

Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation are major threats to wild red pandas. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

One goal is to identify bacterial genes associated with degradation of BTEX and other hydrocarbons. — Catherine Armbruster, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026