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Definition of degradable

degradable

/dɪˈɡreɪ.də.bəl/
de · grad · a · ble
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degradable Lexical Profile

degradable Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Capable of being chemically or biologically broken down into simpler, smaller compounds over time.

Example

"The packaging company switched to degradable materials to reduce the volume of long-term landfill waste."

2

Susceptible to being lowered in quality, value, rank, or functional performance.

Example

"The optical coating proved degradable under prolonged exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for degradable
Antonyms
View all antonyms for degradable

Word Nuance & Usage

In environmental contexts, 'degradable' refers broadly to any material that can break down chemically or physically (such as plastics breaking into microplastics via sunlight), whereas 'biodegradable' specifically requires decomposition by living microorganisms into natural elements.

• Rhymes for degradable

• Nearby Words

degenerative
deglamorize
deglaze
degradable
degradation
degrade
degraded

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the verb 'degrade' (from Late Latin degradare, meaning 'to reduce in rank or step down') combined with the suffix '-able'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Degradable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/degradable
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