What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abjectness
Example
The abjectness of the refugees' living conditions was heart-wrenching. [abjectness: noun]
Example
He felt a sense of abjectness after losing his job and being unable to provide for his family. [abjectness: noun]
degradation
Example
The degradation of the environment due to pollution is a growing concern. [degradation: noun]
Example
The politician's reputation suffered degradation after being caught in a scandal. [degradation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Degradation is more commonly used than abjectness in everyday language. Degradation is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while abjectness is less common and more literary, often used in poetic or philosophical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abjectness and degradation?
Both abjectness and degradation are formal words, but abjectness may be considered more formal and literary than degradation, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.