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

Many lines of research align with the theory that aging is a direct result of decay — the inevitable degradation of molecules (including proteins or DNA), organelles, cells, or whole organs — from external assault or inexorable breakdown. — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

By spreading stress via polymer chain rearrangement instead of allowing polymer bonds to break, the DNGEs continually reduce the risk of sudden snapping or fatigue-degradation. — New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026

Overall, scientists project that, by 2050, loss of cropland from urbanization and soil degradation could reduce China’s food production capacity by up to 18 percent. — Caitlin Welsh, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026

However, its natural habitat is at risk of degradation because of human activities such as aquaculture, conversion of forest and wetlands into farmlands, and infrastructure development. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026