degradation
deg-ruh-DAY-shun
/ˌɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən/
The condition or process of degrading or being degraded; the wearing down of the environment.
It refers to the decline in quality of soil, water, or air, often due to human activity.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'degradare,' meaning 'to lower in rank.' It combines 'de-' (down) and 'gradus' (step). It’s literally the act of taking a step down.
Word relationships
- deterioration: Deterioration is a general worsening; degradation often implies a breakdown into simpler or lower parts.
- restoration: The action of returning something to its former condition.
Commonly confused with
- erosion: Erosion is specifically the wearing away of soil by wind or water; degradation is a broader loss of quality.
Word family
- degrade (verb): To lower in quality or status.
- degradable (adjective): Capable of being broken down.
Collocations
- environmental degradation
- land degradation
- soil degradation
Example sentences
- "The improper dumping of e-waste leads to severe soil degradation and loss of biodiversity." Environmental science.
- "The degradation of plastic components in the ocean creates harmful microplastics." Material science.
Memory hook
Think of 'degrading' the 'grade'—moving from an A to a D. Breaking down.
When not to use
Don't use it for 'insulting' someone (that's 'demeaning'), though it can mean a loss of status in other contexts.
Fun facts
- Biodegradable plastics are designed to undergo degradation through the action of living organisms, but they often require specific industrial conditions to break down completely.
Related words
Explore more words
deteriorate, degenerative, degenerate, Depreciation, devalue, ruin
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