degradation

noun

ˌde-grə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce degradation (audio)
Definition of degradationnext
1
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level English teachers bemoaning the degradation of the language that e-mail and instant messaging have allegedly brought about

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in corruption
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior the belief that moral degradation is an unmistakable sign of a nation in decline

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of degradation On average, showerheads last about 7–10 years, so if your showerhead is approaching the end of its life, some natural degradation may occur that cannot be fixed by cleaning it. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026 Soil erosion, mining, deforestation, and the conversion of land for farming, settlement, and transport contribute to land degradation and habitat loss. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 Right, the big difference is that Finley is trying to protest the very degradation of women that Girls Gone Wild thrived on. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 Material degradation was negligible even as compared with previous studies on reusable stereolithography resins. — New Atlas, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for degradation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degradation
  1. deterioration
  2. corruption
  3. decline
  4. debasement
  5. declination
Noun
  • Apoorvanand says that stance reflects a broader deterioration of democratic norms over the past decade.
    — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026
  • The character's physical and spiritual deterioration is part of what drew Nam in.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • His priorities include stopping corruption in Congress, making housing more affordable, protecting public lands, defending the Second Amendment and strengthening public schools, according to his website.
    — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
  • For years, Deborah Witzburg sounded the loudest alarm when uncovering hundreds of cases of corruption and fraud inside Chicago city government.
    — Chris Tye, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of corruption
Noun
  • In September 2024, state economists attributed the drop in play to a decline in scratch-off sales as consumers faced inflationary pressures coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic period, which saw a spike in Lottery purchases.
    — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Originally housing offices, its heyday in Detroit’s industrial age was brief, sliding into decline in the 1960s and ultimately going vacant.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • As a tail-risk hedge — specifically against financial system stress, currency debasement, and geopolitical crisis — gold's track record is stronger and more consistent.
    — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Bitcoin offers growth potential tied to adoption Like gold, Bitcoin is often viewed as a hedge against currency debasement because its supply is limited.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Definition of debasement
Noun
  • The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.
    — Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Federal regulations require special counsels to provide the attorney general with a report that explain prosecution or declination decisions once their work is concluded.
    — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of declination

Browse Nearby Words

deglamorizing
degradation
degradations
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Cite this Entry

“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degradation. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on degradation

Nglish: Translation of degradation for Spanish Speakers

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