degradation
dehg-ruh-DAY-shuhn
Degradation (noun) means a lowering in rank, dignity, or reputation. Example: “He described the humiliating job as a degradation of his skills.”
noun
1
A lowering in rank, dignity, or reputation.
"He described the humiliating job as a degradation of his skills."
"Being forced to wear a silly costume at work felt like a degradation to him."
"The scandal led to the public degradation of the once-respected judge."
2
A gradual decline in quality, strength, or condition.
"Environmental degradation has damaged the coral reef."
"The material shows signs of degradation from sun exposure."
"Constant washing causes slow degradation of the fabric."
How to use degradation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of something (or someone's standing) getting worse or being reduced.
Common pairings
environmental degradation
soil degradation
a sense of degradation
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Word forms
- Plural
- degradations
Fill the gap
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He described the humiliating job as a _____ of his skills.
Etymology
From French dégradation, built from "degrade" + "-ation."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for degradation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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