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 But administrative burdens are a technology of annoyance, degradation, discrimination, and needless extraction. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Solvent-free manufacturing protects the underlying layers from degradation, producing far more durable tandem cells. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 This is intended to minimize degradation, reducing contrast decay and improving light projection reliability, ultimately extending the screen's lifespan. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 Wildlife Conservation Society Education Department/RJ Hawkins River otters used to be found throughout New York's waterways but disappeared due to pollution, habitat degradation and unregulated trapping. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 19 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
  • The City is aware of deterioration to the pavers surrounding the memorial related to the seawall conditions in this section of the Riverwalk.
    — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The deterioration in DeepMind’s talent flows coincided with the lab tightening its publication rules, Hurd said, something that Zeki researchers say may have weakened one of the lab’s most important draws for research-minded staff.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 27 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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