degradation

1 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 decadence, declension, declination, degeneracy, degeneration, decline, dégringolade, descent, deterioration, devolution, downfall, downgrade, ebb, eclipse, fallRelated Words dark age, nadir, sunset; decay, rotting, spoiling; breakup, crumbling, decomposition, disintegration, dissolution; abasement, debasement; depreciation, lessening; decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, destruction, havoc, ruin, ruination; abatement, decrease, decrement, de-escalation, deflation, diminishment, diminution, dip, downslide, downtrend, downturn, drop, drop-off, falloff, loss, lowering, reduction, sag, shrinkage, slip, slumpNear Antonyms advancement, development, evolution, growth; blossoming, flourishing, flowering; renewal, restoration, revitalization; heightening; accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, enhancement, gain, increase, increment, raise, supplementAntonyms ascent, rise, upswing

2 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 abjection, corruptness, debasement, debauchery, decadence, decadency, degeneracy, degenerateness, degeneration, corruption, demoralization, depravity, dissipatedness, dissipation, dissoluteness, libertinage, libertinism, perversion, pervertedness, rakishness, turpitudeRelated Words evil, immorality, sinfulness, villainy, wickedness; filth, gangrene, rot, squalorNear Antonyms goodness, morality, righteousness, virtue