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
In an age when polarized politics have whipped extremists into a frenzy and disagreeing with someone’s views justifies physical assault among fringe elements, the assault on Omar is a new abysmal milestone of societal degradation.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Known as the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Frontier (OLCF-5), the Frontier, which is the world’s most powerful supercomputer for open science analyzed how surface degradation on high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades affects aerothermal efficiency and heat transfer inside jet engines.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
Yet even under the best conditions, a growing body of evidence shows that the absolute decoupling of gross domestic product (GDP) from environmental degradation—growing the economy while simultaneously reducing resource use, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution—is impossible.
—Olivier De Schutter, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
The cold can also freeze liquids, crack containers and prompt chemical degradation.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
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Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Known as the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Frontier (OLCF-5), the Frontier, which is the world’s most powerful supercomputer for open science analyzed how surface degradation on high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades affects aerothermal efficiency and heat transfer inside jet engines.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
Yet even under the best conditions, a growing body of evidence shows that the absolute decoupling of gross domestic product (GDP) from environmental degradation—growing the economy while simultaneously reducing resource use, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution—is impossible.
—Olivier De Schutter, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
The cold can also freeze liquids, crack containers and prompt chemical degradation.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degradation. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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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