degradation Definition
- 1the process of breaking down or deteriorating
- 2the condition or state of being lowered in quality, status, or character
- 3the act of treating someone with disrespect or insulting them
Using degradation: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "degradation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The degradation of the environment is a major concern for scientists.
Example
The degradation of his health was caused by years of smoking.
Example
The degradation of the company's reputation led to a loss of customers.
Example
The degradation of the prisoner's dignity was a violation of human rights.
degradation Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for degradation
Antonyms for degradation
- improvement
- enhancement
- promotion
Idioms Using degradation
a decline or deterioration in the quality or condition of something
Example
The lack of maintenance has led to a degradation of the building's infrastructure.
to fall into a state of low moral or social standards
Example
He sank into degradation after losing his job and turning to drugs.
the decline in one's moral or ethical values
Example
The degradation of his character was evident in his dishonesty and lack of integrity.
Phrases with degradation
self-degradation
the act of belittling or humiliating oneself
Example
His constant self-degradation made it difficult for others to respect him.
the decline in ethical or moral values
Example
The rise in crime is often attributed to moral degradation in society.
the deterioration of the natural environment, often caused by human activities
Example
The government has implemented policies to address environmental degradation and climate change.
Origins of degradation
from Latin 'degradatio', meaning 'a lowering'
Summary: degradation in Brief
The term 'degradation' [ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn] refers to the process of breaking down or deteriorating, as well as the state of being lowered in quality, status, or character. It can also refer to treating someone with disrespect or insulting them. Examples include the degradation of the environment, health, reputation, and dignity. Phrases like 'self-degradation' and 'environmental degradation' extend the concept, while idioms like 'sink into degradation' denote a decline in moral or social standards.
