degradation
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for degradation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A lowering in rank, dignity, or reputation.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use degradation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French dégradation, built from "degrade" + "-ation."
Full origin of degradation →Frequently asked questions
What does “degradation” mean?
The word “degradation” means a lowering in rank, dignity, or reputation. In plain terms, the process of something (or someone's standing) getting worse or being reduced.
How do you pronounce “degradation”?
“Degradation” is pronounced dehg-ruh-DAY-shuhn (/ˌdɛɡɹəˈdeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “degradation” in a sentence?
Here is “degradation” used in a sentence: “He described the humiliating job as a degradation of his skills.”
What part of speech is “degradation”?
“Degradation” is a noun.
Where does the word “degradation” come from?
The word “degradation” comes from French. From French dégradation, built from "degrade" + "-ation.".
Is “degradation” a common word?
“Degradation” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “degradation” have?
“Degradation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a lowering in rank, dignity, or reputation.
What is the difference between degradation and deterioration?
Degradation often implies a lowering in rank, dignity, or reputation, or a decline caused by an external process acting on something, while deterioration usually just describes a general worsening of condition over time. Degradation can carry a stronger sense of humiliation or being reduced in status, which deterioration lacks.
Can degradation refer to the environment or materials?
Yes, degradation is widely used to describe a gradual decline in quality, strength, or condition, which is why it appears in phrases like "soil degradation" or "environmental degradation." In these uses it refers to physical or chemical decline rather than personal humiliation.
Is degradation always a negative word?
Yes, degradation consistently carries a negative meaning, whether it refers to a lowering in rank or reputation, or a decline in quality or condition. There is no neutral or positive sense of the word.