degradation
word
Definition
Degradation means the process of something becoming worse, weaker, or lower in quality. It can also refer to the loss of dignity or respect for a person or thing.
Usage & Nuances
'Degradation' is formal, used for environmental issues ('environmental degradation'), technical processes, or loss of status/respect. Not for casual use. Common with 'moral', 'soil', 'ecosystem'. Do not confuse with 'depreciation' (loss of monetary value).
Example Sentences
The degradation of the forest worries scientists.
basic
Pollution leads to the degradation of water quality.
basic
Degradation of old buildings is common in the city.
basic
If this keeps up, we’ll see serious degradation of the whole ecosystem.
natural
Many worry about the degradation of moral values in society.
natural
Years of neglect resulted in the degradation of the monument’s appearance.
natural