degradation
deg-ruh-DAY-shun
/ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃən/
The process of something becoming worse or being damaged; the wearing down of the land.
In an environmental context, it refers to the decline in the quality of soil, water, or ecosystems, even if they aren't completely destroyed.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'de-' (down) + 'gradus' (step). It literally means to take a 'step down' in quality.
Word relationships
- deterioration: Deterioration is more general; degradation often implies a loss of 'grade' or functional value.
- restoration: The act of returning something to its original, healthy state.
Commonly confused with
- deforestation: Deforestation is the removal of trees; degradation is the decline in the forest's health.
Word family
- degrade (verb): To lower in quality or status.
Collocations
- environmental degradation
- land degradation
- soil degradation
Example sentences
- "Soil degradation caused by intensive farming can lead to a permanent loss of fertility." Soil science
- "The degradation of the coral reef is largely due to rising ocean temperatures." Environmental report
Memory hook
Think of a 'grade' in school; degradation is when the 'grade' of the land goes down. Degradation = De-grading (lowering the quality).
When not to use
Not for sudden destruction; it implies a process of wearing down or lowering in grade.
Fun facts
- Land degradation affects about 3.2 billion people worldwide, mostly in developing nations.
Related words
Explore more words
deteriorate, degenerative, degenerate, Depreciation, devalue, ruin
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