degradation
noun
deg·ra·da·tion
ˌde-grə-ˈdā-shən 
1
: the act or process of degrading
environmental degradation
the gradual degradation of organic matter
suffer the degradations of poverty and abuse
2
a
: decline to a low, destitute, or demoralized state
'A dependence upon him,' said Kate, 'would embitter my whole life. I should feel begging a far less degradation.'—
Charles Dickens
Charles DickensSome houses are found spotless, others in a wretched degradation …—Paul Reyes
Paul Reyes
b
: moral or intellectual decadence : degeneration
… educated him in the bestiality and degradation that war brings.—Drew Middleton
Drew MiddletonExamples of degradation in a Sentence
English teachers bemoaning the degradation of the language that e-mail and instant messaging have allegedly brought about.
the belief that moral degradation is an unmistakable sign of a nation in decline
Recent Examples on the Web
All those cars and trucks contribute to more wear and tear on Texas roadways, which could result in degradation without consistent maintenance and a little foresight in terms of designing more resilient roads.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025
Navarro presented these sins—including currency manipulation, intellectual-property theft, and environmental degradation—as significant drivers of China’s extraordinary economic transformation.
—Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Only once was a credit card closed for non-usage by the issuer and there was no major degradation of my credit score.
—Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
But the energy density, costs, degradation, and funding complications have challenged the developers of those alternatives.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for degradation
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Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025
Navarro presented these sins—including currency manipulation, intellectual-property theft, and environmental degradation—as significant drivers of China’s extraordinary economic transformation.
—Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Only once was a credit card closed for non-usage by the issuer and there was no major degradation of my credit score.
—Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
But the energy density, costs, degradation, and funding complications have challenged the developers of those alternatives.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degradation. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
degradation
noun
deg·ra·da·tion
ˌdeg-rə-ˈdā-shən
1
a
: a reduction in rank, dignity, or standing
b
: removal from office
2
: loss of honor or reputation
Medical Definition
degradation
noun
deg·ra·da·tion
ˌdeg-rə-ˈdā-shən
: change of a chemical compound to a less complex compound
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