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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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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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 Many lines of research align with the theory that aging is a direct result of decay — the inevitable degradation of molecules (including proteins or DNA), organelles, cells, or whole organs — from external assault or inexorable breakdown. — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026 By spreading stress via polymer chain rearrangement instead of allowing polymer bonds to break, the DNGEs continually reduce the risk of sudden snapping or fatigue-degradation. — New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026 Overall, scientists project that, by 2050, loss of cropland from urbanization and soil degradation could reduce China’s food production capacity by up to 18 percent. — Caitlin Welsh, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026 However, its natural habitat is at risk of degradation because of human activities such as aquaculture, conversion of forest and wetlands into farmlands, and infrastructure development. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for degradation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degradation
  1. deterioration
  2. corruption
  3. decline
  4. debasement
  5. declination
Noun
  • These tests helped rule out more ordinary explanations such as mechanical strain, material deterioration, uneven samples, and electromagnetic screening by the metal.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Generally, the deterioration in government fiscal health is a global issue.
    — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • Democrats avoid division The Democrats’ corruption talk of 2026 checks all of these boxes.
    — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The limited testimony that led to the grand jury’s decision not to bring criminal charges reveals a larger culture of secrecy and corruption in Tallahassee, said José Javier Rodríguez, the Democrat running to unseat Uthmeier in November.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of corruption
Noun
  • That rapid decline makes the question of how coach Dan Campbell and the team rebound one of the most interesting in the entire league.
    — NBC Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The local enrollment declines are mostly concentrated in local districts’ elementary schools.
    — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • The debasement trade is experiencing a revival, and that could catapult bitcoin to a new all-time high, according to Bernstein.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 30 Aug. 2026.

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