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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of degradation
The world at large is working to stop the fast-progressing degradation of Earth's environment.
—
Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 3 June 2025
In regions affected by conflict, natural disasters or climate degradation, these irreplaceable sites and items are in jeopardy.
—Sattie Persaud, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Both research teams documented severe performance degradation on problems requiring extended systematic reasoning.
—ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025
Claude’s biggest moment yet came in May, when Anthropic launched two models, called Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4, that can work for seven-consecutive hours without performance degradation, a milestone in AI productivity.
—Ian Thomas, CNBC, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 3 June 2025
In regions affected by conflict, natural disasters or climate degradation, these irreplaceable sites and items are in jeopardy.
—Sattie Persaud, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Both research teams documented severe performance degradation on problems requiring extended systematic reasoning.
—ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025
Claude’s biggest moment yet came in May, when Anthropic launched two models, called Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4, that can work for seven-consecutive hours without performance degradation, a milestone in AI productivity.
—Ian Thomas, CNBC, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degradation
Noun
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Most of the time, the summer slide—in other words, the deterioration of intellectual skills gained during the school year, during a period when kids are on breaks—is associated with a student’s reading skills, says Alexander.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
25 June 2025
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The disease causes deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, a process that sets off a series of worsening symptoms.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
19 June 2025
Noun
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The law aims to curb corruption and undue influence in federal campaigns.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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The mayor has denied the allegations in the past, even after several DOJ officials resigned following the Trump administration’s move to drop the corruption charges.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
28 June 2025
Noun
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However, the revival of games like Brawl Stars proves that decline is not inevitable.—
Pawan Gaargi,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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However, the decline in traditional alcohol consumption may be exaggerated.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.—
Lisa Zornberg,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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The sun's changing declination is what determines whether the sun's rays strike us at a low angle or more directly.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degradation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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