• Degradation

    Pronunciation

    • UK IPA: /ËŒdÉ›gɹəˈdeɪʃən/
    • Rhymes: -eɪʃən

    Origin

    From French dégradation

    Full definition of degradation

    Noun

    degradation

    (plural degradations)
    1. The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society; diminution; as, the degradation of a peer, a knight, a general, or a bishop.
    2. The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement.
    3. Diminution or reduction of strength, efficacy, or value; degeneration; deterioration.
    4. (geology) A gradual wearing down or wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, frost etc.
    5. A deleterious change in the chemical structure, physical properties or appearance of a material from natural or artificial exposure.
    6. The state or condition of a species or group which exhibits degraded forms; degeneration.
    7. Arrest of development, or degeneration of any organ, or of the body as a whole.
    8. The gradual breakdown of components of a material, as a result of a natural element, i.e.: heat, cold and wind.

    Derived terms

    Related terms

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