degraded
word · lemma: degrade
Definition
Made worse in quality, value, or condition; can also mean having lost dignity or respect, especially about a person or environment.
Usage & Nuances
'Degraded' is often used formally to describe environmental damage ('degraded land') or when speaking about someone losing honor or status. Not to be confused with 'downgraded' (which usually means given a lower rank or score). Commonly appears as part of 'degraded ecosystem' or 'feeling degraded'.
Example Sentences
The forest is degraded because of pollution.
basic
He felt degraded by the unfair treatment.
basic
The soil became degraded after years of farming.
basic
After being ignored at the meeting, she walked out feeling totally degraded.
natural
Tourists complained about the degraded state of the beach.
natural
Over the years, the once beautiful paintings have become badly degraded.
natural