What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
denaturation
Example
The high temperature caused the denaturation of the protein, rendering it inactive. [denaturation: noun]
Example
The addition of acid resulted in the denaturation of the DNA molecule. [denaturation: noun]
degradation
Example
The bacteria were able to degrade the plastic waste into harmless compounds. [degrade: verb]
Example
The degradation of the paint on the walls was evident after years of exposure to sunlight. [degradation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Degradation is more commonly used than denaturation in everyday language. Degradation is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while denaturation is more specific and often used in scientific or technical language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between denaturation and degradation?
Denaturation is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while degradation can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
