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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Cartilage health is a particular concern for astronauts, as low gravity and space radiation have been shown to cause cartilage degradation in those who spend long periods of time in space.
—
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
These include greenhouse gas emissions, land use practices and the degradation of critical natural resources, such as soil and biodiversity.
—Narcisa Pricope, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025
Warming is also altering rain patterns, accelerating droughts, facilitating the spread of devastating diseases like pod rot, and contributing to soil degradation.
—Ayurella Horn-Muller, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2025
Finding the right chemistry The degradation of battery performance is largely a matter of its key components gradually dropping out of use within the battery.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
These include greenhouse gas emissions, land use practices and the degradation of critical natural resources, such as soil and biodiversity.
—Narcisa Pricope, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025
Warming is also altering rain patterns, accelerating droughts, facilitating the spread of devastating diseases like pod rot, and contributing to soil degradation.
—Ayurella Horn-Muller, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2025
Finding the right chemistry The degradation of battery performance is largely a matter of its key components gradually dropping out of use within the battery.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for degradation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degradation
Noun
-
This industry is the major culprit in the bay’s deterioration.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Feb. 2025
-
In the fourth quarter, revenues were up 2 percent at constant exchange rates, returning to growth after several quarters of deterioration, mainly thanks to the improvement recorded by the wholesale channel.—
Luisa Zargani,
WWD,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The unaccountable bureaucracy and bloated government that find a home there, and the public and private corruption that go along with them, face serious scrutiny and genuine antagonism for the first time in a while.—
Jack Butler,
National Review,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Countries with weak economic growth, high inflation, widespread corruption, and fragile institutions face the greatest risk.—
Aldo Flores-Quiroga,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The Associated Press pointed to the possibility of tariffs and a decline in consumer spending as the reasons for the earlier drop.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
-
It’s commonly accepted HR doctrine that after a large layoff, those who stay suffer a 20% decline in their job performance.—
Phil Blair,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In contrast, during 2016-16 the lunar declination varied from only 18.5 degrees north to 18.5 degrees south.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.—
WWD,
WWD,
3 Sep. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Degradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degradation. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share