degradation
degradation Lexical Profile
degradation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The process by which something deteriorates, breaks down, or declines in physical quality, ecological health, or performance.
"Unchecked deforestation has accelerated the environmental degradation of the river basin."
The condition or process of being treated with disrespect, dishonor, or a severe loss of dignity.
"The prisoners endured years of poverty and social degradation before their release."
In chemistry and biology, the breakdown of a complex organic molecule or compound into simpler substances.
"Exposure to ultraviolet light speeds up the chemical degradation of plastics."
In geology, the wearing down of the Earth's surface or rock formations by natural erosive agents such as wind, water, and ice.
"Centuries of glacial movement contributed to the gradual degradation of the mountain ridge."
• Rhymes for degradation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 16th century from Middle French dégradation, from Late Latin degradationem, a noun of action from degradare ('to reduce in rank'), formed from de- ('down') and gradus ('step' or 'rank').