What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adulteration
Example
The company was fined for the adulteration of their olive oil with cheaper oils. [adulteration: noun]
Example
The food safety agency warned consumers about the potential adulteration of certain spices with lead. [adulteration: noun]
debasement
Example
The government's debasement of the currency led to hyperinflation and economic instability. [debasement: noun]
Example
The comedian's jokes were criticized for their debasement of women and minorities. [debasement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adulteration is more commonly used than debasement in everyday language, especially in the context of food safety and consumer protection. Debasement is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adulteration and debasement?
Debasement is generally considered more formal than adulteration, as it is often used in the context of language, literature, or ethics. Adulteration, on the other hand, is more commonly used in everyday language and has a more practical or technical connotation.
