degradation
deg-ruh-DAY-shuhn
/ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən/
The condition or process of degrading or being degraded; a decline to a lower condition, quality, or level.
In environmental science, it refers to the wearing down of ecosystems or air quality over time.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'degradare', meaning 'to lower in rank'. It literally means to 'step down'. In science, it refers to a substance breaking down into simpler, often less useful, parts.
Word relationships
- deterioration: Deterioration is a general getting worse; degradation often implies a loss of biological or chemical integrity.
- restoration: The act of returning something to its original, healthy state.
Commonly confused with
- depletion: Depletion means using something up (like oil); degradation means making something worse in quality.
Word family
- degrade (verb): To lower in quality.
- biodegradable (adjective): Capable of being decomposed by bacteria.
Collocations
- environmental degradation
- land degradation
- habitat degradation
Example sentences
- "The degradation of the ozone layer has led to increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface." Environmental report.
- "Soil degradation in urban areas is often caused by the accumulation of heavy metals." Urban ecology.
Memory hook
De-Gradation: A 'Grade' that goes 'De' (down). Like a student's grade falling from an A to a D. Stepping down in quality.
When not to use
Can refer to personal humiliation, but in this context, it is strictly about environmental quality.
Fun facts
- Plastic is notorious for its slow degradation, often taking hundreds of years to break down in the ocean.
Explore more words
deteriorate, degenerative, degenerate, Depreciation, devalue, ruin
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