What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
degrade
Example
The company's decision to use cheap materials will degrade the quality of their products. [degrade: verb]
Example
The sergeant was degraded to a private for disobeying orders. [degraded: past participle]
Example
The bully's constant insults and taunts degraded the victim's self-esteem. [degrading: gerund or present participle]
disgrace
Example
His criminal record is a disgrace to his family. [disgrace: noun]
Example
The politician's scandalous behavior brought disgrace to his party. [disgrace: noun]
Example
She felt disgraced by her own actions and apologized to those she had wronged. [disgraced: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disgrace is more commonly used than degrade in everyday language. Disgrace is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while degrade is more specific and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between degrade and disgrace?
Both degrade and disgrace can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, degrade may be perceived as more formal due to its technical or scientific usage.
