1. the process of something becoming worse in quality or condition
2. treatment that causes someone to feel ashamed or lose dignity
3. the breakdown of a substance into simpler components
Usage: scientific

Examples

• The degradation of the old building was evident from its crumbling walls.
• Environmental degradation threatens wildlife habitats worldwide.
• She refused to accept the degradation of being treated like a servant.
• The prisoner suffered years of degradation in solitary confinement.
• Scientists studied the degradation of plastic in ocean water.
• Soil degradation reduces crop yields in farming communities.
• The degradation of the historic monument saddened local residents.