degradation

[ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn]

degradation Definition

• 1. the process of breaking down or deteriorating
• 2. the condition or state of being lowered in quality, status, or character
• 3. the 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

• deterioration
• degeneration
• corruption
• debasement
• decline

Antonyms for degradation

• improvement
• enhancement
• promotion

Idioms Using degradation

• a degradation of something

  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.

• sink into degradation

  to fall into a state of low moral or social standards

  Example

  He sank into degradation after losing his job and turning to drugs.

• degradation of character

  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.

• moral degradation

  the decline in ethical or moral values

  Example

  The rise in crime is often attributed to moral degradation in society.

• environmental degradation

  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'

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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.