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
Some houses are found spotless, others in a wretched degradation …—Paul Reyes
b
: moral or intellectual decadence : degeneration
… educated him in the bestiality and degradation that war brings.—Drew Middleton
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degradation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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